Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro underwent a successful surgery for a double hernia, according to his wife Michelle Bolsonaro. The procedure took place in a hospital in Brasília after the Supreme Court granted permission for his transfer from the federal police headquarters where he is currently serving a 27-year sentence.

Bolsonaro is imprisoned for plotting a coup following his loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 presidential election. The Supreme Court's decision to allow the surgery reflects considerations for Bolsonaro's health while incarcerated.

Prior to the surgery, Bolsonaro publicly endorsed his eldest son, Flávio Bolsonaro, as a candidate for the 2026 presidential race. Flávio Bolsonaro had previously declared his intention to run, but the endorsement from his father, conveyed in a handwritten letter read aloud outside the hospital, solidified his backing within Bolsonaro's political base. "During my life, I have fought tough battles, paying a high price with both my health and my family, to defend what I t," the letter stated.

The former president's health has been a recurring concern. He has undergone multiple surgeries related to a stabbing he suffered during the 2018 presidential campaign. His current imprisonment adds a layer of complexity to his medical care, requiring judicial authorization for hospital visits.

The endorsement of Flávio Bolsonaro signals the former president's continued influence in Brazilian politics, even while incarcerated. The 2026 election is already shaping up to be a significant contest, with potential candidates emerging from both the left and right political spectrums. The success of Flávio Bolsonaro's candidacy will likely depend on his ability to mobilize his father's supporters and appeal to a broader electorate.