Karol Nawrocki, a conservative candidate supported by the outgoing president, has won Poland’s presidential election, according to the final vote count released on Monday.

Nawrocki secured a narrow victory with 50.89% of the vote, defeating liberal Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, who garnered 49.11%, according to the Associated Press.

The election, preceded by a first round of voting two weeks prior, highlighted the country’s divisions along ideological lines and its relationship with the European Union. Nawrocki will succeed Andrzej Duda, whose second term concludes on August 6.

Trzaskowski acknowledged his defeat and congratulated Nawrocki on Monday, expressing gratitude to his supporters.

“I fought for us to build a strong, safe, honest, and empathetic Poland together,” he posted on X. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to convince the majority of citizens of my vision for Poland. I’m sorry we didn’t win together.”

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem campaigned for Nawrocki at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Warsaw, criticizing European leaders for their immigration policies. Noem lauded Poland’s border security measures, cautioning that Trzaskowski would weaken them.

Former U.S. President Trump hosted Nawrocki at the White House in early May during his campaign.

The Polish president serves a five-year term and is eligible for one re-election.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy congratulated Nawrocki on Monday.

“Poland, which preserves the strength of its national spirit and its faith in justice, has been and remains a pillar of regional and European security, and a strong voice defending freedom and dignity for every nation,” Zelenskyy stated. “By reinforcing one another on our continent, we give greater strength to Europe in global competition and bring the achievement of real and lasting peace closer. I look forward to continued fruitful cooperation with Poland and with President Nawrocki personally.”

The U.S. maintains approximately 10,000 troops in Poland, and Noem suggested that military cooperation could increase under Nawrocki’s leadership. Nawrocki’s supporters often claim he will restore “normality,” similar to Trump. U.S. flags were frequently seen at Nawrocki’s rallies, and his backers believed he would foster stronger ties with the Trump administration.

Nawrocki, 42, a historian and amateur boxer, has echoed some of Trump’s views on Ukraine. While pledging to continue Poland’s support, he has criticized Zelenskyy for allegedly exploiting allies and accused Ukrainian refugees of taking advantage of Polish generosity. He has promised to prioritize Polish citizens for social services, including healthcare and education.

Hungarian Prime Minister , who shares Nawrocki’s conservative nationalist ideology, celebrated Nawrocki’s “fantastic victory.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered restrained congratulations, emphasizing continued EU-Poland cooperation based on shared democratic principles: “We are all stronger together in our community of peace, democracy, and values. So let us work to ensure the security and prosperity of our common home.”

Nawrocki’s win marks a resurgence for the Law and Justice party, which governed Poland from 2015 to 2023 before losing power to Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist coalition.

Duda’s veto power has hindered Tusk’s ability to fulfill campaign promises, such as easing abortion restrictions or enacting civil partnerships for same-sex couples. Some observers suggest that these unfulfilled promises may make it challenging for Tusk to remain in office until the next parliamentary election in late 2027, especially if Law and Justice offers potential cooperation with conservatives within his coalition.