Paloma Valencia

Paloma Valencia, representing the Centro Democrático party, is a first-time presidential candidate in Colombia, one of three women and ten men competing in the presidential race. The first round of voting will take place on May 31, 2026, with a potential second round scheduled for June 21, 2026, if no candidate secures a majority.

Born in the city of Popayán, in southwestern Colombia, Valencia studied philosophy and law at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, and she holds an MFA in creative writing from New York University. Prior to embarking on her political career, she worked as a political analyst for Colombian media, contributing commentary and analysis across newspapers, television, and radio. She has also held an academic role as a law professor at Universidad de los Andes.

Valencia has served in the Colombian Senate since 2014, representing the conservative Centro Democrático party. In that role, she has been a member of the country’s Human Rights Commission and its Peace Commission. Her campaign priorities focus on economic policy, including a proposal to invest in women-led ventures with an average 2 million pesos per woman in seed capital, and public security, with an emphasis on strengthening state institutions, rooting out corruption, and addressing security challenges through public policy frameworks.

Kindly note, Step Forward Global Initiative does not endorse candidates. We present objective, fact-based data as a starting point for public inquiry.