Rafael López Aliaga—better known by his nickname “Porky”—has made waves in Peru’s political arena by formally entering the 2026 presidential election.
His decision to resign as Mayor of Lima and shift to national ambition underscores both his confidence and the turbulence shaking Peru’s government landscape.
Background & Resignation
López Aliaga officially resigned from his position as Mayor of Lima on October 13, 2025.
The timing was strategic: Peruvian electoral rules require officeholders to vacate executive posts at least six months before an April election.
The general election is slated for April 12, 2026. His departure clears a pathway for a full-fledged presidential campaign.
At the same time, the political environment is charged.
Just days before López Aliaga’s resignation, Congress removed President Dina Boluarte from office and appointed an interim president—events that have amplified instability and opened space for bold challengers.
Against this backdrop, López Aliaga’s entry is being seen as both opportunistic and calculated.
The Candidate- ‘Porky’ and His Brand
Though the moniker “Porky” might seem whimsical or even self-mocking, López Aliaga has leaned into it.
He uses pig imagery in campaign materials, presenting himself as a hardworking, resilient outsider. The nickname is now part of his public identity and political branding.
He heads Renovación Popular, a conservative political party. This is not his first run for national office—he ran in the 2021 presidential race as well.
His style combines strong moral rhetoric, pro-business attitudes, and tough stances on crime.
The Pitch- Platform & Messaging
López Aliaga’s campaign messaging is expected to key in on three major pillars:
- Public Security
Crime and violence have become major voter concerns. His campaign is poised to highlight aggressive policing, judicial reforms, and increased resources for law enforcement. - Anti-Corruption & Governance
He will frame much of his campaign as a battle against entrenched corruption in Lima and nationally—presenting himself as a disruptor in contrast to traditional elites. - Economic Discipline & Investment
As a businessman himself, he will pitch austerity, fiscal responsibility, and more efficient public spending. He is likely to promote incentives for investment, infrastructure, and privatization in certain sectors.
He also will have to defend or clarify prior stances in past public debates and business dealings, especially where critics have questioned inconsistencies or maximalism.
Early Polling & Voter Landscape
At the outset, López Aliaga stands out as one of the few candidates in double-digit support in national polling.
However, a large share of voters—nearly 40 percent or more—remain undecided, giving room for major shifts in momentum.
His name recognition is among the highest in the race, granting him an early advantage. Yet that leads to narrow margins: in a fragmented field, forming alliances and appealing beyond base voters will be key.
Because many offices and parties are allowed to run, the competition is crowded and divided.
The scenario of runoff elections looks increasingly likely—no candidate may capture the required majority in the first round.
Timeline & Campaign Strategy
- Resignation: October 13, 2025
- Election Day: April 12, 2026
- Campaign Span: Approximately six months of formal campaigning
- Key Moves to Watch:
- Announcing his running mate
- Releasing detailed security proposals
- Economic / investment plans aimed at business and rural sectors
- Messaging shifts to court the undecided middle and soft supporters
His campaign must maintain high visibility and manage controversies, as his outspoken style has made him a frequent target of criticism.
Snapshot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name / Nickname | Rafael López Aliaga, “Porky” |
| Previous Office | Mayor of Lima (resigned October 2025) |
| Election Date | April 12, 2026 |
| Early Polling Support | ≈10 % range among named candidates |
| Undecided Voters | ≈35–40 % or more |
| Core Themes | Public security, anti-corruption, economic discipline |
| Political Party | Renovación Popular |
Challenges & Risks
- Polarizing reputation – His blunt rhetoric and prior controversies may alienate moderate or undecided voters.
- Consistency under scrutiny – Past statements, business ties, or policy shifts could haunt him during debates.
- Coalition building – In a fragmented race, alliances could make or break his path to a second round.
- Managing perceptions – His “Porky” persona is attention-grabbing but may be dismissed by some as gimmickry.
What Could Change the Game
- A rival candidate surges unexpectedly, tightening his lead.
- A major security incident makes his tough-on-crime messaging more attractive.
- Economic shocks push voters toward fiscally prudent or business-friendly platforms.
- Strategic alliances—that is, receiving endorsements or forming electoral pacts—shift the balance in runoffs.
Rafael “Porky” López Aliaga’s entry into Peru’s 2026 presidential race is a bold gambit born of timing, recognition, and ambition.
His early polling shows promise, but the large share of undecided voters means nothing is certain.
The coming months will test whether his security agenda, anti-corruption posture, and pro-business messaging can translate into broad support.
In a country shaken by institutional upheavals, “Porky” may be a wild card — but he’s one that Peruvians will be watching closely.
