Rob Jetten's achievement in dragging his socially liberal D66 party from fifth place to the top of Dutch politics in less than two years has been extraordinary.

But politically, all the stars were perfectly aligned for the 38-year-old to do so.

The result of Wednesday's election is too close to call, with Jetten vying with anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders for the most seats in parliament.

No other political leader commanded as much screen time during the campaign as Jetten and his smile and cheerful message resonated with voters, while his rivals sometimes struggled.

Hardly a night went by without him on TV. When Wilders cancelled an appearance because of security fears, Rob Jetten seized the moment. He even featured in a TV quiz show recorded months ago called The Smartest Person.

And his D66 party was untarnished by involvement in Wilders' ill-fated 11-month coalition, largely because Jetten had fared so poorly in the last election in 2023, when the government collapsed following a row over migration.

More than anything else, he was able to convey a positive message summed up by the slogan Het kan wel - an optimistic phrase that echoes Barack Obama's rallying cry.

It contrasted strongly with Wilders, who he accused of 'sowing division'. If his party does come top, Rob Jetten could become the Netherlands' first openly gay prime minister.

A self-confessed politics nerd as a child, the young Jetten grew up in a small town in the southern province of Brabant and came out when he was young.

Jetten has not made his private life part of his political identity but has been vocal in demonstrating the realities of homophobia.

He is now engaged to Argentine hockey player, Nicolás Keenan, and they are set to marry next year.

Jetten's career has included working as a climate minister alongside PM Mark Rutte, but he also faced criticism for his handling of climate initiatives during the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Supporters see him as a mini-Mark Rutte, with ambitions to tackle pressing issues such as the Netherlands’ housing crisis and a promise to build 10 new cities.

As Jetten’s journey reflects the evolving Dutch political landscape, he remains a pragmatic figure likely to influence the future direction of his country.