Flávio Bolsonaro Selects Alfredo Gaspar as Presidential Running Mate

Presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro announced conservative congressman Alfredo Gaspar as his running mate for the October election during a press conference in Brasilia on Wednesday. The selection marks a shift in strategy, as Bolsonaro had previously pledged to choose a woman to broaden his appeal to female voters.

This pivot follows unsuccessful attempts to secure Senator Tereza Cristina Dias and economic adviser Daniella Marques, both of whom were blocked from the candidacy by party opposition. Gaspar, a representative for the northeastern state of Alagoas, previously led investigations into pension institute fraud. He intends to center the campaign platform on combating organized crime and corruption.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture for the campaign. Bolsonaro currently trails President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva by five points in runoff polling. Additionally, Bolsonaro is facing legal scrutiny regarding alleged connections to bank fraud investigations.