Kast Campaign Revamps Strategy with Ad Guru, Polls Show Tight Race – Breaking News
Santiago, Chile – In a dramatic shift ahead of the upcoming presidential election, Chilean candidate José Antonio Kast has brought on renowned advertising strategist Felipe Costabal to spearhead his campaign’s communication efforts. This move comes as a new public survey, released Sunday by Cadem, places Kast in a neck-and-neck battle for the lead, signaling a potentially pivotal moment in the race. This is breaking news for Chilean politics, and a key development for Google News watchers.
The Rise of “The Professor Silva” and a New Communication Approach
Costabal, known for his creative agency La 975 and his success crafting the memorable “El Prof Silva” persona for previous political campaigns, joined Kast’s team in March. He’s already making waves, shaping the narrative around Kast’s weekly policy announcements with catchy slogans like “unlocking the ball” (permissology), “without license to scam” (medical licenses), and “relentless” (security). These aren’t just policy names; they’re designed to resonate with everyday Chileans, moving beyond traditional political jargon.
Costabal’s background is impressive. He’s a graduate of the University of Los Andes with a master’s degree from the University of Navarra, and has experience spanning television production, film, and advertising. His ability to distill complex ideas into easily digestible – and shareable – concepts is precisely what Kast’s campaign needs to broaden its appeal. He’s been dubbed “Yeti” by those close to him, a nod to his towering height and outsized influence.
Polls Tighten: Kast Gains Ground
The Cadem poll reveals a highly competitive landscape. Kast currently holds 27% of voter preferences, a mere two percentage points behind frontrunner Jeannette Jara, who leads with 29%. This places both candidates in a likely second-round runoff. Evelyn Matthei, previously considered a strong contender, has slipped to third place with 14%, followed by Franco Parisi (8%), Johannes Kaiser (6%), Marco Enriquez-Oominami (4%), and Harold Mayne Nicholls (2%).
Crucially, Kast is perceived as the candidate best equipped to address Chile’s most pressing concerns: crime, drug trafficking, migration, and the economic situation. This perception, combined with his revamped communication strategy, is clearly gaining traction.
A Disciplined Campaign: Structure and Focus
Unlike some of his rivals, Kast is taking a deliberate approach to campaigning. His team is intentionally limiting the number of public spokespeople, relying instead on a more structured and focused message delivered through Costabal’s creative direction. The campaign is also leveraging Kast’s existing political infrastructure – 233 councilors, eight mayors, and 60 regional counselors – to build a strong territorial presence. This is a smart move, maximizing resources and ensuring a coordinated ground game.
The process is streamlined: the Republican Ideas think tank develops policy proposals, which are then handed to Costabal’s communication team to craft compelling narratives. This division of labor allows for both substance and style, a critical combination for success. This is a lesson in SEO for political campaigns – focusing on clear messaging and targeted keywords.
From “Dare” to “M and M”: The Power of Branding
Costabal’s previous work with Kast, including the 2021 presidential campaign where he coined the slogan “dare” and created the catchy jingle “Vote 2, Vote Kast,” demonstrates his ability to create memorable branding. He also played a key role in the “Rejection” campaign during the 2022 constitutional referendum. His latest efforts, with names like “m and m” (promotion of work), show a continued commitment to simplifying complex issues and making them relatable to voters.
Costabal’s philosophy, as he once stated, is to move brands “from top of mind to top of heart.” He’s applying that same principle to Kast’s campaign, aiming to connect with voters on an emotional level.
As the Chilean election draws closer, all eyes are on Kast’s campaign and whether Costabal’s creative touch can propel him to victory. The race is undeniably tightening, and the strategic shift represents a significant gamble that could reshape the political landscape. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued breaking news and in-depth analysis of the Chilean election.
