Previously a member of the National Liberation Party, this Politician shifted his allegiance to his country's Citizens' Action Party and was elected President of Costa Rica in 2014.
After graduating from the University of Costa Rica with a degree in history, he earned an advanced degree in Latin American Studies from Tulane University and also studied at the University of Michigan on a Fulbright Scholarship.
He campaigned for the presidency on a platform of promoting economic development; ridding Costa Rica of political corruption; and lessening the gap between the rich and the poor.
His marriage to María Mercedes Peñas Domingo resulted in six children.
He succeeded Laura Chinchilla, who had been Costa Rica's first female President.
