Laura Fernández Delgado claimed victory in Costa Rica’s presidential race with just over 48% in preliminary returns, while the National Liberation Party received about 33%, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported. The 39-year-old former minister — the chosen successor of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves — campaigned on conservative family values and a tough-on-crime platform that includes finishing a CECOT-style maximum-security prison. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated her and pledged close cooperation; Fernández is set to be sworn in on May 8.
Laura Fernández Delgado Declares Victory in Costa Rica, Pledges Tough-On-Crime Agenda
Who is the populist conservative president-elect in Costa Rica?
Laura Fernández Delgado declared victory in Costa Rica’s presidential race on Sunday after preliminary counts placed her Sovereign People’s Party ahead with just over 48% of the vote, while the National Liberation Party trailed with roughly 33%, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
Presidential candidate Laura Fernandez of the Sovereign People's Party (PPSO) reacts onstage as early results show her leading the general election in San Jose, Costa Rica, Feb. 1, 2026.(Reuters)
Election Result and Immediate Reaction
At 39, Fernández — a former government minister and the handpicked successor to outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who is barred from immediate re-election — said at a victory event in San José that "change will be deep and irreversible," a comment translated by Reuters.
A man wearing a MAGA cap reacts as supporters of presidential candidate Laura Fernandez of the Sovereign People Party (PPSO) wait for her address after polls closed in the general election in San Jose, Costa Rica, Feb. 1, 2026.
Platform and Political Profile
Fernández has built a public profile emphasizing conservative Catholic values, a focus on family policy, and hardline security measures. Her message has resonated with Costa Rica’s growing evangelical electorate and voters alarmed by a recent rise in violent crime that has shifted parts of the electorate to the right.
Costa Rica’s presidential candidate Laura Fernandez of the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) greets supporters during a campaign rally ahead of Sunday’s election in San Jose, Costa Rica, Jan. 24, 2026.
She has publicly praised El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for his tough approach to crime and signaled openness to adopting more stringent security tactics. As part of her agenda, Fernández has pledged to complete construction of a maximum-security prison modeled on El Salvador’s CECOT facility.
International Reaction and Next Steps
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Fernández and emphasized the United States’ intent to work closely with her incoming administration on shared priorities, including combating narco-trafficking, curbing illegal migration to the U.S., strengthening cybersecurity and secure telecommunications, and deepening economic ties.
Fernández is scheduled to be sworn in on May 8. Reporting contributions to the initial coverage included Fox News’ Emma Bussey and Reuters.
Note: Preliminary results are subject to final certification by Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
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