She is the daughter of Carlos Pizarro, the presidential candidate of the M19 who was killed in 1990. On Monday, leftist Senator Maria Jose Pizarro confirmed she will run as a presidential pre-candidate in the governing Historic Pact coalition’s primary, set for October.

“I’m here because I come from a lineage that gave even its own life to build a Colombia that seeks peace through social justice. I’m here as the daughter of a history that belongs to all of us,” said the lawmaker, daughter of the late presidential candidate and former M-19 guerrilla commander Carlos Pizarro.

“We have a transformation to continue, because I am the change that continues,” she said, referencing the administration of President Gustavo Petro, who promised sweeping social reforms during his four-year term, set to end on Aug. 7, 2026.

“Colombia must have its first female head of state, one who brings peace, unity, capability, compassion—and above all, care. I am here because I will be the first woman president of Colombia,” Pizarro added.

The event featured videos supporting her presidential bid, including messages from international political figures. One of them came from former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero.

“I know Maria Jose well. She represents hope and the future. She stands for a path toward a Colombia of equality, of women’s rights, of workers’ rights—a future of peace and coexistence. The Colombia that so many have fought and died for. Maria Jose Pizarro is the option for the future. She has my support,” he said.

Similarly, former second deputy prime minister of Spain, Pablo Iglesias, urged citizens of the Andean country to support Pizarro “so that she becomes the first female president of Colombia.”

“At a time when the far-right threatens democracies around the world… Maria Jose represents the hopes for transformation not only of the Colombian people, but of the entire Latin American community,” Iglesias said.

“The national oligarchy murdered him 30 years ago. Generous, bold, rebel and defender of workers. He believed in peace. He invited us to believe in Colombia. On his behalf, we are also going to transform this country. Word that Yes! Long live Carlos Pizarro!”

A Slogan That Echoes Her Father’s Legacy

Her campaign slogan, “Pizarro Yes!”, evokes “Word That Says Yes!,” the motto her father used during his 1990 presidential campaign after laying down arms. He was assassinated on a flight in April of that year while traveling to Barranquilla for a campaign event.

In July, during a national convention held in Bogota, the Historic Pact decided it would choose its presidential nominee through an open primary in October.

In addition to Pizarro, other contenders seeking the Historic Pact nomination include former ministers Carolina Corcho and Susana Muhamad, as well as former Medellin mayor Daniel Quintero.

Also joining the race are Sen. Gloria Florez, attorney and social leader Ali Bantu Ashanti, and Gustavo Bolivar, former head of the Department for Social Prosperity.

The winner of that primary will face the pre-candidates of the so-called broad front—a coalition of other leftist forces—in March 2026. Known for her strong advocacy for the peace agreement, Pizarro was the one who placed the presidential sash on Petro during his inauguration on Aug. 7, 2022.