Chile Elects Pro-Life President José Antonio Kast

José Antonio Kast, a conservative lawyer and practicing Catholic who supports “life from conception to natural death,” has been elected president of Chile.

Kast defeated Communist Party candidate Jeannette Jara in a decisive runoff vote.

With 99.97% of ballots counted, Kast secured 58% of the vote compared to Jara’s 42%, a margin of more than 2 million valid votes, according to election authorities. The result marks a significant shift away from the left-led government of outgoing President Gabriel Boric.

Kast, 59 and father of nine children with his wife María Pía Adriasola, will take office on March 11, 2026.

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In his victory speech, Kast emphasized national renewal and gratitude to God.

“But nothing would be possible if we didn’t have God. And that’s something we can’t fail to acknowledge,” Kast said, adding a prayer for “wisdom, temperance, and strength” in the challenges ahead.

He declared, “Here, a person didn’t win, a political party didn’t win; Chile won. The hope of living without fear won.”

Kast also praised his wife, saying she “will be a tremendous first lady,” and described his political work with “a joy, a passion, that you can’t even imagine.”

The campaign focused heavily on restoring law and order and addressing crime, though Kast has long advocated for protecting life. He has promised to repeal Chile’s liberal abortion law.

Jara conceded defeat shortly after polls closed.

“Democracy has spoken loud and clear. I have just spoken with president-elect Kast to wish him success for the good of Chile,” Jara posted on X.

Kast told supporters, “Chile wants change,” adding, “And I tell you, yes, Chile will experience real change.”