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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 The Pearland
In Pearland , where many residents have ties to Latin America, the election of a populist president in Colombia may resonate closely. The city's diverse community, with a significant Hispanic population, may be watching the developments in Colombia with interest, considering the potential implications for family and friends abroad. As Colombia's new leader promises to combat violent crime with a tougher approach, Pearland residents who have experienced the complexities of public safety in the Houston area may be curious to see how this strategy plays out. Furthermore, the fact that over 426,000 Colombian voters chose a no-name option on the ballot, expressing dissatisfaction with both candidates, may echo the sentiments of some Pearland residents who have also felt disillusioned with traditional politics. The election's outcome may spark discussions in Pearland about the role of outsiders in politics and the desire for change, reflecting similar debates that have taken place in the United States.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Regina Garcia Cano And Astrid Suárez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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