Brazil's Lula and Bolsonaro Campaigns Clash Over AI, Defense, and Voter Outreach

In early August 2026, Brazil's presidential campaign intensified as incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his allies squared off against supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula, seeking to broaden his appeal beyond his core base, focused on winning over female and elderly voters, defended national sovereignty, and promised increased defense investment—a pledge that drew criticism from some in his own Workers' Party (PT). Meanwhile, Bolsonaro's Liberal Party (PL) used a deepfake video of Bolsonaro at its convention, prompting Brazil's electoral court (TSE) to clarify rules on AI use in campaigns. The PT countered with a theatrical convention featuring images of Lula, including a 'red carpet' entrance and footage with Donald Trump, aiming to boost his social media presence.