Steve Cortes, president and founder of the League of American Workers, said on April 7 that Peru’s upcoming presidential election could signal a broader regional shift toward leaders who favor closer ties with the United States and more resistance to Chinese influence.
“Across Latin America, the populist Right earned an impressive series of electoral wins this year, including Honduras, Costa Rica, and Chile. This trend to Make the AMERICAS Great Again now looks for another win in the politically troubled nation of Peru. Aliaga has been clear and consistent in seeking a closer Peruvian relationship with America rather than China. This tide is also decidedly pro-U.S. Voters across the region choose leaders who believe their future lies alongside the United States,” said Cortes.
The topic is significant as it reflects ongoing changes in Latin American politics, where recent elections have seen a rise in right-leaning populist leaders.
Peru’s first-round presidential election follows a decade marked by impeachments, resignations, interim governments, and presidential turnover.
The ballot included 35 candidates, with a runoff required if no one received more than 50% of the vote. More than 27 million Peruvians were registered to vote in 2026, including roughly 1.2 million abroad. The combination of a large electorate and 35 candidates made a first-round victory unlikely, increasing the importance of alliances and second-choice preferences.
As reported by OEC, China remains Peru’s largest trade partner. In 2024, Peru’s leading exports to China were minerals, slag, and ash valued at about $20.7 billion, while China’s main exports to Peru were electrical machinery, mechanical equipment, and vehicles.
Cortes is the founder of the League of American Workers. According to his official bio, he has appeared on CNBC, Fox News, and CNN and served as spokesman and senior strategy adviser on Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns.
