Browsing: Mayoral race 2026

Party Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) has not demonstrated an ability to revive the party, and her influence over the local elections has been minimal. The three prominent figures once described as the “Bald Man, Tough Man and Swallow,” referring to Han Kuo-yu, Hou You-yi (侯友宜) and Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕), have also failed to demonstrate the ability to guide the election nationwide. The KMT now faces a serious shortage of political stars

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and DPP Taipei candidate Shen Po-yang traveled to Kaohsiung on the same day, helping their parties turn the city’s mayoral race into a contest with national visibility.

KMT mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en has proposed an outdoor music festival at Tianliao Moon World, although details including its scale, cost and transportation arrangements have not been developed.

Judicial Reform Party mayoral candidate Chang Ching has proposed removing Kaohsiung’s former railway station building, putting the light rail underground and making public transportation free. No costs or implementation schedules were released.

KMT mayoral candidate Ko Chih-en is preparing for her first major Fongshan rally, while DPP rival Lai Jui-lung is backing a proposed NT$150 million gymnastics training center. Here is the latest from Kaohsiung’s 2026 election campaign.

Following heavy rain and reports of potholes across Kaohsiung, author Shen Nai-hsun argues that the city must explain how repairs will be funded and completed. However, funds carried forward in government accounts should not automatically be described as unspent money available for immediate use.

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

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.

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