By KHT Staff – Image left: KMT Kaohsiung 2026 mayoral candidate legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), Right: DPP lawmaker Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩), one of four DPP lawmakers seeking the nomination.
KAOHSIUNG — A KMT pundit says he believes that Kuomintang (KMT) Kaohsiung 2026 mayoral candidate legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) has recently shifted her assessment of the race, now viewing DPP lawmaker Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) as her most difficult potential opponent due to Chiu’s political resources.
The KMT has already nominated Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) to run in the November 2026 election, but the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is quickly approaching the end stretch of what’s been a highly contested primary. Four DPP lawmakers — Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩), Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑), Lin Tai-hua (林岱樺), and Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) — are seeking the nomination, which is expected to be decided by polling next week.
Speaking on a CTi political talk show on January 7, former KMT legislator Kuo Cheng-liang (郭正亮) said Ko believes Chiu’s organizational strength and resources far exceed those of other contenders. He attributed this in part to Chiu’s backing from Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), noting that a sitting mayor can mobilize significant political capital.
Kuo expressed his opinion that Lai Jui-lung does not seem to enjoy the same level of support, adding that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has not actively campaigned for him. According to Kuo, the president is currently more focused on political developments in Tainan and Yilan.
Kuo also said President Lai’s actions — in his view — suggest that Kaohsiung, while important, is not the President’s primary focus at this stage.
The comments highlight shifting perceptions as both major parties position themselves for what is expected to be a closely watched Kaohsiung mayoral contest.
Reporting via China Times.
