Ratinho enters fully into Flávio Bolsonaro's campaign and targets Lula's voters in the Northeast

The presenter Carlos Massa, known nationally as Ratinho, entered the presidential campaign of Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) and became the protagonist of a piece of electoral time aimed especially at voters in the Northeast, a region considered strategic for the candidacy of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). Participation was shown on Saturday (17), eight days before the second round of the 2026 presidential elections, scheduled for October 25.

The father of Paraná’s governor, Ratinho Junior (PSD), the communicator used one of the best-known frames of his program at SBT, the traditional DNA test, to question Flávio Bolsonaro about statements and accusations involving the future of social programs such as Bolsa Família, Popular Pharmacy and Unified Health System (SUS).

The appearance represented a new stage of the Massa family's involvement in the national dispute. Ratinho Junior had already announced support for the PL candidate on October 10, after talks with Flávio Bolsonaro and São Paulo governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans).

Rat uses DNA test to defend Flávio Bolsonaro

In electoral propaganda, the Flávio Bolsonaro campaign reproduced the dynamics of one of the most resonant cadres of Ratinho’s career. This time, however, the goal was not to discuss family cases, but to confront claims made during the presidential race.

The piece was called "DNA Test of Lula's Fake News" and integrated a communication strategy to respond to criticism of the petista campaign. Throughout the video, Ratinho presented questions about the possible extinction or reduction of benefits and public services.

Flávio Bolsonaro denied that it intends to end Bolsa Família, modify the rights of retirees or extinguish SUS and Popular Pharmacy. The responses were presented as campaign commitments, although the execution of these promises depends on the political and budgetary decisions of a possible government.

The presence of the communicator also attracted attention for its exposure to competing broadcasters of SBT. As the participation took place in the free electoral time, Ratinho appeared even in the programming of TV Globo.

Northeast becomes priority in the final straight of the election

The choice of Ratinho was not casual. With decades of acting in Brazilian television, the presenter has national recognition and was used by the campaign to expand communication with voters who still show resistance to the candidacy of Flávio Bolsonaro.

The Northeast is considered a decisive electoral territory in the dispute with Lula. The PL candidate’s strategy seeks to reduce the president’s advantage among voters in the region, especially those who rely on public policies of income transfer.

In this context, topics such as Bolsa Família, retirements, free medicines and care by SUS began to occupy a central place in electoral propaganda.

The evaluation of the campaign, according to press coverage, is that Ratinho’s popularity and direct language could help Flávio Bolsonaro reach a wider audience, in addition to the voters traditionally identified with bolsonarismo.

Proposals for the Bolsa Família cause new clash

The dispute over social programs gained new chapters on Monday, after statements by Daniella Marques, economic coordinator of the Flávio Bolsonaro campaign. The candidate’s team submitted a proposal to extend the transition period to two years for Bolsa Família beneficiaries who get formal employment or start to undertake.

According to the campaign, the intention would be to allow these families to increase their income without immediately losing the benefit. The proposal also provides for mechanisms to return to the program for those who face financial difficulties again. Members of Lula’s campaign questioned the measure and raised concerns about possible restrictions on benefit. Flávio Bolsonaro and his team denied that the proposal represents the end of Bolsa Família.

The debate also involves the PL candidate’s promise to make an adjustment in the public accounts. Although he has advocated reducing spending, Flavio says he intends to preserve spending on social programs.

Family Support Mouse Moves Political Backstage of Paraná

In addition to the impact on the presidential campaign, the participation of the presenter has repercussions on the political scene in Paraná. Ratinho Junior, who supported Flávio Bolsonaro in the second round even after the PSD’s decision to remain neutral nationally, became one of the governors involved in articulating support for the candidate.

The governor publicly announced his position on October 10, after talking to Flavio and Tarcísio de Freitas. The move came a few days after the defeat of Sandro Alex (PSD), a candidate supported by the Ratinho Junior group, to Sergio Moro (PL) in the dispute for the Paraná Government.

The approach has also fueled discussions about the political future of Ratinho Junior from 2027. According to the Blog Politically Paraná, there are behind-the-scenes comments about the possibility of the governor assuming a function in the federal government if Flávio Bolsonaro is elected.

One of the hypotheses raised by the publication would be the Brazilian general direction of Itaipu Binacional, although the result of the state elections and the arrival of Sergio Moro in the Government of Paraná may influence any possible articulations. Another possibility mentioned would be the occupation of a ministry.

The Esplanade Column also pointed out, on October 13, that Ratinho Junior could gain influence over areas related to agribusiness and entrepreneurship in an eventual administration of Flávio Bolsonaro. To date, however, there is no official confirmation of invitation, negotiation completed, or position definition for Ratinho Junior. Possibilities remain in the field of political speculation.

Paraná gains prominence in presidential campaign

The involvement of the Massa family comes at a time of reorganization of the Paraná political forces. With Sergio Moro elected governor in the first round, Ratinho Junior approaches the presidential campaign of Flávio Bolsonaro and seeks to maintain relevance in national articulations.

The election also brought together different leaders of the Paraná right around the PL candidacy, including Moro and the elected senators Filipe Barros (PL) and Deltan Dallagnol (New). For the political group linked to Ratinho Junior, the result of the presidential election may directly influence the paths available after the end of his term in the government of Paraná.

The second round will take place next Sunday.

The presidential election will be decided on Sunday, October 25, when Brazilians will return to the polls to choose between Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula. In the final straight, the candidates intensify the dispute for undecided voters, while topics such as economy, public security and maintenance of social programs dominate the electoral timetable.

The entry of Mouse in the campaign represents an attempt by Flávio Bolsonaro to explore the popularity of a well-known communicator in different regions of the country. At the same time, the participation of the presenter and the declared support of his son demonstrate that the presidential dispute could also have important consequences for the political reorganization of the Paraná in 2027.