Colombian politicians shift party affiliations and seek regional leadership

Colombian politician María Fernanda Cabal has announced her departure from the Centro Democrático party to join the Partido Republicano, a group founded by Rodolfo Hernández. Cabal stated that her decision followed instances where the party did not select her for presidential representation and expressed a desire for greater professional autonomy. She noted that her departure also stems from a perceived lack of support from former President Álvaro Uribe.

In a separate political development in the Magdalena department, Yamilex Yelitxe Charris Polo is emerging as a potential candidate for the 2027 Mayoralty of Santa Marta. Charris previously secured 9,040 votes during the 2025 Pacto Histórico consultation to determine the list for the Chamber of Representatives, placing her among the top five selected candidates for the region.