government
Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia's next president as rival challenges vote
By Regina Garcia Cano And Astrid Suárez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· June 22, 2026
· 5 min read
Eccentric, ostentatious and artistic, Abelardo de la Espriella is also a political neophyte who is poised to become Colombia’s next president after leaning into everything that makes him different from the conventional politician to win people’s support.The businessman and lawyer, whose ventures ...
Key takeaway “I don’t like either of them, but I’m terrified of continuity,” retiree María del Rosario Villaveces, 66, said after voting Sunday in the capital, Bogota.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
For Alamo Heights residents with ties to Colombia, the outcome of this election is particularly significant. Many in the community have family and friends who have been affected by the country's history of violence and instability. A change in leadership and policy direction could have far-reaching implications for those with connections to Colombia. De la Espriella's promise to take a heavy-handed approach to crime-fighting may resonate with some who are concerned about safety and security, while others may be wary of the potential consequences of reversing Petro's efforts to establish dialogue with armed groups. As the challenge to the election results unfolds, Alamo Heights residents will be watching closely to see how this develops and what it may mean for their loved ones in Colombia. The city's own experiences with public safety and community engagement may also inform local perspectives on the election and its aftermath.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Eccentric, ostentatious and artistic, Abelardo de la Espriella is also a political neophyte who is poised to become Colombia’s next president after leaning into everything that makes him different from the conventional politician to win people’s support.The businessman and lawyer, whose ventures ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Regina Garcia Cano And Astrid Suárez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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