Latin America’s Rightward Turn Accelerates as Trump-Backed De La Espriella Claims Narrow Victory in Colombia

Bogotá, Colombia — Conservative candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, a political newcomer and Trump-endorsed lawyer, has claimed victory in Colombia’s June 21, 2026, presidential runoff, winning 49.7% of the vote to leftist Senator Iván Cepeda’s 48.7% in preliminary results with nearly all votes counted.

The razor-thin outcome marks a return to conservative rule after four years under Colombia’s first leftist president, Gustavo Petro, and fits into a broader regional shift toward right-leaning governments across Latin America in recent years.

De la Espriella, a dual U.S.-Colombian citizen and registered Republican with no prior elected office experience, campaigned on economic reforms and a tough stance on crime amid public frustration with stagnant growth and rising violence under Petro. He declared victory on election night, stating, “The Colombian people, the masses, spoke out and we defeated the regime.”

President Trump congratulated him publicly, writing on social media that De la Espriella “won, BIG!” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called to offer congratulations, with the State Department emphasizing expectations for stronger bilateral security cooperation, efforts to curb illegal immigration, and deeper economic ties.

Colombia’s Shift Back to the Right

Petro’s 2022 victory had represented a historic break from Colombia’s traditionally conservative politics. His administration focused on social reforms, peace negotiations with armed groups, and environmental policies, but faced criticism over economic performance, inflation, and persistent security challenges, including high homicide rates in some areas and ongoing issues with illegal armed groups.

De la Espriella positioned himself as a populist alternative, appearing in casual attire like soccer jerseys and straw hats while promising decisive action on crime and business-friendly reforms. His strong performance in the first round (leading with about 43.7%) set up the runoff against Cepeda, a human rights advocate closely aligned with Petro.

The narrow margin has sparked some calls for verification from the opposition, though international observers have noted the process appeared transparent. De la Espriella urged respect for the results and framed the win as the start of a “new stage” focused on a “great, safe, prosperous Colombia full of opportunities.”

A Regional Rightward Trend

Colombia’s outcome aligns with a noticeable rightward shift in several Latin American countries over the past few years, reversing earlier gains by leftist governments. By mid-2023, roughly 10 countries had left-leaning leaders; by June 2026, the balance had tilted toward a conservative edge in several key nations.

Notable recent examples include:

• Argentina (2023): Javier Milei, a libertarian economist with strong anti-establishment and free-market views, won the presidency in a landslide runoff, promising radical economic overhaul amid hyperinflation and recession under the previous Peronist government.
• Ecuador (2023 runoff): Center-right candidate Daniel Noboa secured victory, focusing on security and economic stability after political turmoil and rising crime linked to drug trafficking.
• El Salvador: Nayib Bukele, a right-wing populist known for his hardline anti-gang policies (“mano dura”), won re-election with overwhelming support after implementing controversial but popular security measures that dramatically reduced homicide rates.
• Other shifts: Right-leaning or conservative candidates have gained ground or won in Peru, Chile (amid pushback against prior left-leaning policies), Costa Rica, Honduras, and Bolivia in recent cycles, often campaigning on security, economic pragmatism, and reduced government intervention.

Analysts attribute the trend to voter dissatisfaction with left-wing governments’ handling of crime waves, inflation, slow growth, and corruption scandals in several nations. The closure of many U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs in 2025 under the second Trump administration has also been cited by some observers as reducing external support for certain progressive initiatives, allowing local priorities to dominate.

Implications for the Region and U.S. Relations

De la Espriella’s win is expected to improve relations with the United States, particularly on security cooperation against drug cartels and illegal migration, areas where Trump has prioritized action. Colombia, a key U.S. partner in counternarcotics, had seen strains under Petro’s more independent foreign policy.

Regionally, the shift could strengthen conservative networks and influence debates on economic policy, security strategies, and relations with extra-regional powers like China. However, challenges remain: many right-leaning governments still face deep inequality, organized crime, and the need to deliver tangible economic improvements to sustain support.

As results are finalized and De la Espriella prepares to take office, Colombia’s election serves as the latest indicator of Latin America’s evolving political landscape—one where voters appear increasingly drawn to platforms emphasizing security, economic liberalization, and pragmatic governance over ideological experiments of recent years.