Marcelo Santana

Marcelo Orlando Santana Vargas (born July 24, 1980, in Coyhaique) is a Chilean environmental engineer and politician. He has served as Governor of Aysén Region since January 6, 2025.

Biography Santana completed his higher education at the University of La Frontera, where he earned a degree in environmental engineering.

He later obtained a master's degree in Local Development from the Metropolitan University of Technology between 2015 and 2017. In addition, he holds a postgraduate diploma in Organizational Leadership from the University of Development (2018) and a diploma in Public Management from the University of La Frontera (2014).

In electoral politics, he made his debut in the 2013 Chilean regional council elections as a candidate for the Independent Democratic Union in General Carrera Province. He was elected regional councilor for the Aysén Region, obtaining 32.68% of the valid votes.

In the 2016 Chilean municipal elections, Santana ran for mayor of Río Ibáñez and was elected with 63.47% of the vote. He was reelected in the 2021 Chilean municipal elections, increasing his support to 69.61%.

In June 2024, he participated in the Chile Vamos primary elections for regional governor, winning the nomination with 52.80% of the vote.

In the 2024 Chilean regional elections, Santana was elected governor of Aysén in the first round, defeating incumbent governor Andrea Macías.

Electoral history Year Election Constituency Coalition Party Votes % Result 2013 Regional council 1,088 69.61 Reelected 2024 Primary (Governor) Aysén Region 4,360 52.80 Nominated 2024 Governor (first round) 33,883 54.37 Elected