Scholars credit Chen Chi-mai’s administration with changes in technology, transit, tourism and green space as five candidates compete to lead Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung’s KMT and DPP mayoral candidates want to accelerate separate MRT projects despite a former Cabinet official’s warning about rising costs and weak returns.

Four incumbent councilors face no challengers in Kaohsiung’s District 6, but each must still clear a minimum vote threshold to be elected.

Telecom founder Hung Fang-lung became the fifth reported entrant in Kaohsiung’s mayoral race and proposed a two-year accountability test for campaign pledges.

An 83-year-old candidate has entered the Kaohsiung City Council race, saying she wants to protect a forest near the Ciaotou Sugar Refinery grounds.

A China Times commentator questions whether the DPP’s treatment of Kaohsiung has depended on which party controls City Hall.

Ko also wrote a card saying, “Mayor Chen, I’ll take care of Kaohsiung. It’s your turn to travel around the world,” according to the KMT caucus. The message referred to her bid to succeed him, but the card was not ultimately presented with the backpack.

A retaining wall collapse in Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District forced residents to evacuate as officials assessed repairs and candidates disputed the response.

Kaohsiung, Tainan and Pingtung all lean DPP, but their 2026 local races will be shaped by different candidates, issues and local political networks.

Mayor Chen Chi-mai said crews are actively repairing roads damaged by torrential rain.