Browsing: Mayoral race 2026

Lai said the latest poll was only a temporary indicator and that his campaign would continue strengthening local support. Ko’s campaign questioned the poll’s credibility, calling it a survey released by a “green think tank.” The contrast shows how polling sponsor, timing, wording, sampling, and method can shape results and how campaigns interpret them.

The image circulated on social media this week after a Threads user who described themselves as an Indian resident who has lived in Taiwan for years called the campaign material “blatant and direct racial discrimination.” The post said it was legitimate to debate migrant worker policy, but argued that using cultural and ethnic imagery to oppose a specific group crossed a line.

The latest poll found Lai with 47 percent support and Ko with 30.7 percent. Another 22.3 percent of respondents were undecided.

As the campaign progresses, the “crowdfunding” debate reflects a wider split over whether the government should be a direct financier of local industry or simply a facilitator for private investment.

Liu described the conviction as a “critical life lesson” that taught him humility and a deeper understanding of responsibility. He further urged the public to judge his value not just by a “mistake from many years ago,” but by how he rose from that fall and the contributions he is making to society today.

Polls have shown Lai ahead 45.5%, with Ko at 26.2% — but others have Ko leading Lai 44% to 37.7%, underscoring how fluid the race still appears to be this far from election day.

The visit came as Tsai has remained highly visible on social media after leaving office, with recent appearances alongside Democratic Progressive Party candidates in other parts of Taiwan.

By Eryk Michael Smith / Staff KAOHSIUNG — With his second term nearing its end, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁)…

Notably, 68% of Kuomintang (KMT) supporters expressed satisfaction with his performance, while approval among Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) supporters exceeded 93%.

A brief meeting between the KMT’s Ko Chih-en and the TPP’s Ko Wen-je is drawing attention amid ongoing speculation over a possible KMT–TPP alignment in Kaohsiung, where the race between Ko and the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) will likely narrow despite Lai currently enjoying a large lead in many polls.