Sen. Rick Scott Sends Letter to Sec. Rubio Regarding Concerns Ahead of Colombia’s Upcoming Presidential Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for a report of State Department actions to support electoral integrity in Colombia ahead of the country's upcoming election amid growing concerns over political violence, intimidation, deteriorating security conditions, and the expanding influence of illegal armed groups in that country.

In the letter, Senator Scott specifically requested information on election integrity efforts, international observation support, diplomatic engagement and contingency planning should violence escalate closer to election day. He also emphasized the importance of sustained and visible leadership by the United States given the stakes for Colombia and the broader region.

As a longtime advocate for Florida's Colombian-American community, Senator Scott has remained consistent in supporting Colombia and strengthening the U.S. relationship with one of America's strongest historic allies in Latin America.

Read the full letter HERE or below.

Dear Secretary Rubio:

I write regarding Colombia's upcoming presidential election. Historically, as one of the United States' closest democratic and security partners in the hemisphere, Colombia's ability to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election is of vital importance to our shared interests in regional stability, rule of law, and democratic governance.

The International Republican Institute's (IRI) pre-election assessment highlights a deeply concerning electoral environment. The report notes that Colombia has entered this electoral cycle amid heightened insecurity, weakened state security capacity, and increasing political polarization. It further underscores the expanding territorial influence of illegal armed groups, which continues to restrict candidates' freedom of movement and voters' ability to participate safely in certain regions.

Independent reporting further indicates that the election is unfolding amid serious violence and instability, including rising attacks and expanding territorial control by armed groups, assassinations of political figures, and the disruption of campaigning in some regions. These developments reinforce concerns about whether all Colombians will be able to participate fully and freely in the democratic process.

Equally troubling is the documented rise in political violence and intimidation. Reports of targeted killings, threats against candidates and community leaders, and broader risks to human rights defenders suggest a climate that could suppress participation and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

In light of these findings, I would appreciate greater detail on the specific actions the Department of State is taking to support electoral integrity in Colombia.

1. What technical or logistical assistance is being provided to Colombian electoral authorities to strengthen transparency and security?
2. How is the United States supporting credible international and domestic election observation efforts to enhance public trust and accountability?

1. Given the deteriorating security conditions described in the IRI report, what additional diplomatic engagement, security cooperation, or contingency planning is the United States prepared to support should violence escalate in the final weeks of the campaign?
2. How is the Department coordinating with international partners, including multilateral organizations and allied governments, to ensure a unified and proactive approach to safeguarding Colombia's democratic process?

Given the stakes for both Colombia and the broader region, sustained and visible U.S. leadership will be essential. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.

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