President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's failure to acknowledge structural changes in Brazil's society and power dynamics, reliance on policies from his previous time in office, and prioritization of international affairs over domestic issues have translated into a presidency that struggles to resonate with voters and will become a challenge for his 2026 reelection bid. While da Silva could win reelection or designate an heir-apparent who in fact succeeds him amid a strong economy, his shortcomings and a highly polarized political environment create the conditions for a right-wing contender to become the president. Given former President Jair Bolsonaro's continued strong influence over many Brazilians despite his conviction for plotting a coup , center-right candidates will likely adhere to his tough on crime and culture wars agenda to boost their electoral prospects and reverse his left-wing policies.