Argentina Votes in High-Stakes Midterms; Lula Sets 2026 Race in Motion

Overview

• Argentina is renewing 127 of 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 24 of 72 in the Senate, a pivotal test of President Javier Milei’s ability to expand a small congressional foothold.
• Polling shows Milei’s approval near 39.9% with 55.7% disapproval after sharp inflation declines to about 31% but deep social costs, layoffs and subsidy cuts, plus a judicial probe involving his sister Karina.
• Milei voted in Buenos Aires without statements as 36 million Argentines cast ballots; voting runs 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time with first results expected about three hours after polls close.
• La Libertad Avanza seeks roughly one-third of seats to defend presidential vetoes, with analysts noting any gains will likely still require alliances; U.S. backing has been publicly tied by President Donald Trump to Milei’s electoral performance.
• In Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva formally launched his 2026 bid, leads polls and advances new social benefits as allies like Guilherme Boulos take on mobilization roles, while opposition figures concede he is the current favorite.