Jeannette Jara

Jeannette Jara is a leftist politician who recently ran for president of Chile in the 2025 election. She previously served as a labor minister under the current president, Gabriel Boric. Jara's presidential campaign focused on issues such as crime, as did her opponent's. She faced José Antonio Kast, an ultra-conservative candidate, in a runoff election on December 14, 2025. Jara's defeat is newsworthy because it signifies a sharp political shift in Chile towards the right, reflecting concerns over security and immigration. Kast won with 58.16% of the vote, while Jara received 41.84%. Her loss is part of a broader trend of right-wing victories in Latin America. The election was highly polarized, with both candidates addressing the country's crime crisis.