Abelardo De La Espriella, a criminal defense lawyer with no political background, is poised for a narrow victory in Colombia’s presidential election. This would mark a significant win for his supporters, the global right, and President Trump, who endorsed him.

De La Espriella, previously known as a Miami lawyer, has rebranded into a populist figure. Preliminary results show he secured nearly 49.7% of the vote. His opponent, Iván Cepeda, a leftist senator and human rights advocate, garnered nearly 48.7% with over 99% of votes tallied.

A win for De La Espriella signifies a return to conservative governance after four years under Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president. His victory aligns with the broader shift toward the right in Latin America during Trump’s second term.

At 47, De La Espriella conducted a vibrant campaign featuring A.I.-generated videos and strong anti-Petro messaging, elevating his public profile significantly.

His campaign promises included tackling crime, addressing the country’s economic challenges he attributes to the left, and reducing corruption. These goals resonate with the platform favored by right-wing leaders in the region.