State Deputy Fabiana Bolsonaro, who has recently been called out for using 'blackface' during a session at the São Paulo Legislative Assembly (Alesp), is not actually related to former President Jair Bolsonaro. She adopted the Bolsonaro surname as part of a political strategy, seeking alignment with the values promoted by Jair Bolsonaro during the 2022 elections. Fabiana is known for her conservative views and has publicly supported the former president and his political agenda on social media.

Despite adopting a name associated with a prominent political family, Fabiana has her own distinct background. She is officially named Fabiana de Lima Barroso Souza and is the daughter of an evangelical pastor from São Paulo. Her father is credited with encouraging her to pursue a career in politics and to embrace the conservative ideology that aligns with the Bolsonaro political legacy. While she has faced criticism and controversy, including the recent accusations regarding her conduct in Alesp, her influence and presence in the political landscape remain significant.

Fabiana's decision to adopt the Bolsonaro surname reflects a broader trend in Brazilian politics, where political affiliations often influence candidates' identities and strategies. This highlights the complexities of political branding in Brazil, particularly in a climate marked by intense ideological divides. Her story not only sheds light on her individual aspirations and the personal influences behind her political career but also reflects on the intertwining of personal identity and political strategy in contemporary Brazilian society.