By RK Shih/Staff -Image via UpMedia shows the three candidates, Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑), Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩), and Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆), currently seen as the most probable potential victors for the nomination.
KAOHSIUNG — With just weeks remaining before the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) official polling, the party’s Kaohsiung mayoral primary remains effectively deadlocked, with Legislator Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) holding a narrow and inconsistent lead over Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑) and Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩).
A recent Newtalk survey found Lai slightly ahead in hypothetical matchups against Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), though margins among the three DPP contenders fell within the poll’s error range. Ko trailed all three in those scenarios. The survey, conducted Dec. 25–26, sampled 1,079 respondents.
Hsu has released separate internal polling, reported by NOWNews, showing the top three candidates separated by less than one percentage point. Hsu argues his support continues to rise while backing for Lai and Chiu has leveled off.
Meanwhile, a TVBS poll suggested Lai is the only DPP contender who consistently defeats Ko, while Ko performs more competitively against Hsu, Chiu, and Lin Tai-hua (林岱樺), whose earlier momentum faded following a corruption investigation.
All major DPP contenders except Lin have invoked imagery associated with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), whose high approval ratings make his perceived support politically valuable. Party insiders, however, caution that Chen’s formal role overseeing the primary prevents any explicit endorsement.
The DPP’s Kaohsiung policy presentation is scheduled for Jan. 3, with official polling to follow from Jan. 12 to 17.
