Not Han Kuo-yu? Key Figure Behind Ko Chih-en's Kaohsiung Victory Revealed — Lo Cheng-liang Analyzes Fengshan Rally: One Issue Needs Resolving

The 2026 county and city mayoral elections are intensifying, with the Kaohsiung mayoral race drawing heightened attention as KMT legislator Ko Chih-en and DPP legislator Lai Jui-long exchange verbal jabs. The situation has become even more complex following an unexpected fallout involving Tai Li-an, a polling expert from Formosa Magazine, and reports of an unpublished poll showing Lai leading Ko by double digits.

Regarding the Kaohsiung race, media commentator Lo Cheng-liang expressed agreement on the podcast Green Also Flips Tables with former legislator Shen Fu-hsiung’s view on the importance of former Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng to Ko Chih-en’s campaign. Lo also noted that the size of Ko’s rally in Fengshan suggests her campaign is gaining momentum.

Who Leads in the Polls: Ko or Lai? Kaohsiung’s Race Remains Unclear

With less than five months until the 2026 elections, Kaohsiung’s political landscape remains volatile. Last month, a media poll indicated Ko had pulled ahead of Lai by several percentage points. However, recent reports suggest an unpublished Formosa Magazine poll showed Lai leading Ko by over 15 percentage points, sparking widespread speculation.

On July 5, Ko launched her support association in Fengshan, declaring, “Whoever wins Fengshan wins Kaohsiung,” emphasizing that Fengshan is Kaohsiung’s largest administrative district. After the event, Ko posted on Facebook that over 3,000 locals attended, and she expressed special gratitude to Wang Jin-pyng and other supporters who came to the rally.

Could Blue Win Taipei and Kaohsiung? Is Wang Jin-pyng the Key to Ko’s Victory?

On the show POP Collides with News, Shen Fu-hsiung analyzed that the 2026 races in Taipei and Kaohsiung could see a sudden reversal. If Wang Jin-pyng still holds influence and is willing to act, Shen believes Ko could win. Lo Cheng-liang echoed this sentiment, stating that the outcome hinges on Wang’s level of involvement. If Wang treats it as his own campaign, Ko has a real chance. Lo observed that current signs suggest Wang may be stepping in.

Lo also noted that around 3,500 people attended Ko’s Fengshan rally. Given that Fengshan is traditionally a green stronghold and not Wang’s personal base, the turnout signals a positive shift in Ko’s campaign.

ETtoday released a recent Kaohsiung mayoral poll showing KMT candidate Ko Chih-en leading DPP candidate Lai Jui-long 46.8% to 42.0%. The green camp has strongly questioned the poll’s credibility.

Has Ko Chih-en’s Campaign Style Solidified? Is She on Good Terms with Chen Chi-mai?

On campaign strategy, the host asked whether Ko should avoid attacking her opponent, similar to KMT’s New Taipei mayoral candidate Lee Sih-tsai. Lo responded that Ko’s style is already established—she can be sharp but not vulgar. “Have you ever seen her insult Chen Chi-mai?” Lo asked, noting their good personal relationship.

However, Lo added that avoiding challenges to Chen, the incumbent mayor, limits the campaign’s scope. Criticizing a stagnant administration isn’t enough; to address Kaohsiung’s accumulated problems, engaging Chen directly is unavoidable.