Colombia's first-round election has placed far-right, pro-Trump candidate Abelardo de la Espriella in the lead ahead of a June 21 runoff against left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda, drawing notable attention to the level of interest US officials have shown in de la Espriella's success. A victory for de la Espriella could roll back progressive policies implemented under the current government, making the outcome significant for the broader political direction of one of South America's largest nations. The open US stake in the result has raised questions internationally about foreign influence in Latin American democratic processes.