Santiago, Chile – In a historic election result, José Antonio Kast of the Republican Party has been elected President of Chile, signaling a dramatic turn for the South American nation. Confirmed Sunday, the outcome ends a recent period of left-leaning leadership and positions kast as the first right-wing president in Chile’s history [[1]]. The victory, secured with 58.2% of the vote, follows a closely watched runoff against Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara.
Chile has elected José Antonio Kast as its next president, marking a significant shift to the right for the South American nation. The result, confirmed on Sunday, December 14, 2025, comes after a period of left-leaning governance and signals a potential realignment of political forces in the region.
Kast, representing the Republican Party, secured approximately 58.2% of the vote, defeating Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara, who received 41.8% with nearly 99.93% of ballots counted. The election outcome is particularly noteworthy as it makes Kast the first president of a right-wing political spectrum to be democratically elected in Chile’s history.
Jara conceded the race swiftly, acknowledging the clear outcome on X (formerly Twitter). “The democracy spoke strongly and clearly. I just spoke with the President-elect @joseantoniokast to wish him success for the good of Chile,” she wrote. “To those who supported us and were called to action by our candidacy, know that we will continue working to advance a better life…”
La democracia habló fuerte y claro. Me acabo de comunicar con el Presidente electo @joseantoniokast para desearle éxito por el bien de Chile.
A quienes nos apoyaron y fueron convocados por nuestra candidatura, tengan claro que seguiremos trabajando por avanzar en una mejor vida…
— Jeannette Jara Román (@jeannette_jara) December 14, 2025
In a national address, Jara cautioned the incoming president against reversing social progress. “The achievements made by Chilean men and women cannot be put at risk. Increases to pensions, free higher education, the 40-hour workweek, women’s rights, the freedom to love and decide – all of this must be protected,” she stated.
Outgoing President Gabriel Boric also congratulated Kast on his victory, pledging his cooperation “at all times for the good of the country.” Kast is scheduled to be inaugurated on March 11, 2026.
The first round of the Chilean presidential election saw Jara leading with 26.85% of the vote, while Kast garnered 23.93%. However, polls consistently predicted a victory for the right-wing candidate in a second-round runoff – a prediction that proved accurate on Sunday.
This marks Kast’s third attempt at the presidency. A devout Catholic and father of nine, he campaigned on a platform of tackling crime and implementing strict immigration policies, including the deportation of undocumented immigrants, many of whom are Venezuelan.
Argentine President Javier Milei was quick to react to Kast’s win, expressing “enormous joy” at the “convincing triumph” of his “friend.” He added that the result represents “a step forward for our region in the defense of life, liberty, and private property,” and expressed confidence in collaboration to promote freedom across the Americas and break free from “the oppressive yoke of 21st-century socialism.”
The election outcome is likely to have ripple effects throughout Latin America, potentially influencing the political landscape and prompting a reassessment of regional alliances.
