Instagram Dominates Political Engagement in Rio Ahead of 2026 Elections
Rio de Janeiro leads in Instagram political engagement with PL dominance, influencer recruitment, and Bolsonaro family strategies shaping 2026 election dynamics.
- • 15 Rio politicians rank among Brazil's top 100 on Instagram in 2025, dominated by PL.
- • Jair Bolsonaro ranks third nationally in social media influence; Eduardo Bolsonaro seventh.
- • Parties recruit influencers like Jojo Todynho and Chico Moedas to engage younger voters.
- • Flávio Bolsonaro's failed U.S. meeting highlights challenges and plans for a centrist pivot.
- • Bolsonaro family emphasizes unity amid mixed support from Centrão and evolving U.S.-Brazil relations.
Key details
In 2025, Instagram emerged as a critical platform for political engagement among Rio de Janeiro politicians, with 15 from the city ranking among Brazil's 100 most influential on the platform, according to Zeeng – Social Media Benchmark. The Social Liberal Party (PL) dominates this digital landscape, featuring 11 actively serving politicians, including Governor Cláudio Castro and two senators. Jair Bolsonaro ranks third nationally in Instagram influence, closely followed by his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, who holds seventh place despite not holding office in Rio.
This digital engagement is shaping political strategies as parties seek to tap into younger voters by recruiting social media influencers. The PL, for example, has invited singer Jojo Todynho to run for federal deputy, while the Workers' Party (PT) eyes influencer Chico Moedas, who boasts over 2.1 million followers.
Meanwhile, Flávio Bolsonaro, a significant figure in Rio's political scene and a presidential candidate, recently faced setbacks in his U.S. visit where he failed to meet with key officials such as Marco Rubio. This meeting was intended to reinforce Bolsonaro family ties with the U.S. right-wing, crucial to his bolsonarista base. The disruption caused by U.S. military actions in Venezuela thwarted these plans and led to mixed reactions within the Centrão party about his broader electability.
Flávio plans to recalibrate his approach toward the political center before a follow-up U.S. roadshow in April, where he may collaborate with São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas. During his U.S. trip, he emphasized family unity and alignment with his brother Eduardo, despite causing some discomfort among Centrão politicians. Eduardo Bolsonaro continues his lobbying efforts for their imprisoned father and monitors evolving U.S.-Brazil relations under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
These developments underscore the increasing importance of social media and international ties in shaping Brazil's political dynamics as the 2026 elections approach.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
