The upcoming 2026 general election in Brazil is set to feature a historically high number of candidates from groups traditionally underrepresented in the country’s political system, signaling a significant and institutionalized shift in party strategies toward diverse recruitment. According to data finalized by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), the number of candidates identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or other sexual minorities (LGBT+) reached 514, a substantial 57% increase from the last general election in 2022. This surge is particularly notable because it occurs alongside an overall nearly 30% decrease in the total number of candidates nationwide, pushing the proportional presence of LGBT+ individuals to 2.5% of the overall field, more than double their 1.12% share four years prior.