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 Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — 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 an...
Key takeaway The businessman and lawyer, whose ventures include a clothing line, wine and rum brands, [...
Why this matters in The Odessa
The outcome of Colombia's presidential election may seem distant from Odessa , but its potential impact on global trade and energy markets could have ripple effects on the local economy. As a major player in the Permian Basin, Odessa's businesses and residents are closely tied to the oil and gas industry, which is sensitive to international market fluctuations. A change in Colombia's leadership could influence the country's energy policies and production, potentially affecting global oil prices and subsequently impacting the local economy. Additionally, Colombia is a significant trade partner with the United States, and any shifts in its government could alter the dynamics of international trade agreements, which could have implications for Odessa's own trade relationships and economic development. As the situation unfolds, Odessa residents may want to keep a close eye on how the new Colombian administration, if de la Espriella's lead holds, navigates its relationships with the US and other global partners.
About this story
Original reporting by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . The Odessa 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 Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — 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 an...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by REGINA GARCIA CANO and ASTRID SUÁREZ, Associated Press at Yourbasin / Big 2 KMID + Fox 24 KPEJ (Nexstar). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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