Young ultra-conservatives dominate Brazil's new congressional delegation
Twenty-eight-year-old Lucas Pavanato and thirty-year-old Nikolas Ferreira, both prominent ultra-conservative YouTubers, secured top votes in Brazil's recent congressional elections.
In Brazil's latest congressional race, Lucas Pavanato, a 28-year-old São Paulo councilor and popular ultra-conservative YouTuber, emerged as the second-most-voted deputy, exceeding three million votes. Nikolas Ferreira, aged 30, previously elected at 26, has become a key agitator for Flávio Bolsonaro's presidential campaign, leveraging a large Instagram audience. Both politicians have repeatedly clashed with the judiciary over offensive remarks toward trans deputy Erika Hilton and feminist activists, including a televised stunt involving a blonde wig.
Ipsos-Ipec polling shows that support for traditionalist values is at its highest since 2018, particularly among voters aged 25-34, high-income earners, and residents of capital cities. The data also reveal strong backing for tough security policies, with majorities favoring harsher penalties and, for the first time, a majority supporting the death penalty. These trends underscore the growing influence of ultra-conservative forces in Brazilian politics.
Why it matters
The election of youthful ultra-conservatives signals a shift toward hard-line social policies in Brazil.
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