Laura Fernandez

Laura Fernandez is a right-wing political scientist who recently won Costa Rica's presidential election on February 2, 2026. She is considered a protégé of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, and previously served as his chief of staff. Fernandez's victory is newsworthy due to her landslide win and promises to crack down on rising violence linked to the cocaine trade. Her closest rival, centre-right economist Alvaro Ramos, conceded defeat after preliminary results showed Fernandez exceeding the 40% threshold needed to avoid a run-off. Fernandez's win signifies a continuation of the ruling party's mandate and a potential shift towards more aggressive policies in addressing drug-related crime in Costa Rica.