São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas said Senator Flávio Bolsonaro has the right to run for Brazil’s presidency in 2030, but sought to put distance between that possibility and the immediate political agenda. In the account published by a right-leaning outlet, Tarcísio framed his remarks as recognition of Flávio’s standing within their political camp rather than an endorsement of an early campaign.¹

“Of course he has the right,” Tarcísio said, describing Flávio as a leader who had emerged from an election with 60 million votes and who had “all our appreciation” and “all our respect.”¹ He added that attention should instead remain on São Paulo and “the mandate the population gave us.”¹

Flávio had said days earlier that he could run in 2030 if he wanted to and if his Liberal Party agreed, while maintaining that his father, Jair Bolsonaro, would be his preferred candidate should he become eligible.¹ Tarcísio has also previously acknowledged that a presidential bid could become possible after a second term in São Paulo, depending on the political climate and his administration’s record.¹

A left-leaning outlet interpreted the same comments more skeptically, characterizing Tarcísio as still “on the fence” over a 2030 presidential run.² Its report likewise quoted him saying it was not yet time to discuss 2030 and that the priority was São Paulo, but placed those remarks in the context of broader concerns about the future of Bolsonaro-aligned politics.²

Both accounts agree on Tarcísio’s central message: he did not challenge Flávio Bolsonaro’s right to seek office, and he declined to make a definitive declaration about his own candidacy. They differ over what that restraint means — disciplined focus on governing, or unresolved electoral positioning.