Gilberto M. A. Rodrigues, associate professor at the Federal University of ABC and researcher at the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development in Brazil: “President Lula’s announcement that he will run for re-election in 2026 was expected. At age 80, Lula remains a vibrant political leader and shows physical and mental health compatible with the responsibilities of his office. In both the electoral and governance arenas, Lula wields strong personal power to bring together political forces around his project. His ability to lead a diverse and plural political coalition has been demonstrated during his third term, and his experience has proven his capacity to handle both internal and external crises. Within the opposition, there is no candidate capable of attracting centrist and even center-right voters who do not wish to support an opponent backed by Bolsonaro. Some governors supported by the far right are competing to be candidates, and São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas is the favorite—not only because of his personal qualities, but also because São Paulo is a decisive state in elections. Less than a year before the elections, the political landscape…”