KMT Finalizes 2026 Nominees! Chairperson Cheng Calls for July 25 Rally on Ketagalan Boulevard: Lai Must Take Responsibility

The Kuomintang (KMT) has finalized its nominations for the 2026 county and city mayoral elections. At today’s (22nd) Central Standing Committee meeting, the party formally endorsed incumbent mayors and magistrates—Chiang Wan-an of Taipei City, Chang Shan-cheng of Taoyuan City, Hsieh Kuo-liang of Keelung City, Hsu Shu-hua of Nantou County, Chung Tung-chin of Miaoli County, and Wang Chung-ming of Lienchiang County—to run for re-election. All 22 KMT candidates across Taiwan will gather for a major campaign rally at the party’s National Congress on July 25.

KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-chun stated that the party has completed all nominations and seat accommodations based on the Blue-White cooperation framework. She called for party unity and expressed hope that the 'Anti-Poison Taiwan Rally' on Ketagalan Boulevard on the afternoon of the 25th will shake the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), compelling President Lai Ching-te to take responsibility.

At today’s Central Standing Committee meeting, all six incumbent mayors and magistrates attended. Cheng Li-chun personally draped campaign sashes over each of them and led chants. She emphasized that the strong governance records of KMT incumbents are the party’s golden brand, stating, 'True gold fears no fire.' She highlighted that outstanding administrative performance has laid the foundation for victory in the 2026 elections, declaring, 'Victory is our only goal.'

Cheng reiterated that under the Blue-White cooperation framework, the KMT will fully support Taiwan People’s Party mayoral candidate Chang Chi-kai in Chiayi City. Additionally, prioritizing incumbents, the party will fully back Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an in her re-election bid. For Chiayi County, with the goal of unifying opposition forces, the KMT will support Wu Pin-jui, Magistrate of Puzi City and an independent candidate representing the opposition alliance, in his campaign for Chiayi County Magistrate.

Meanwhile, the scandal over carcinogenic tainted oil continues to escalate. After the Central Standing Committee meeting, Cheng Li-chun led fellow committee members to Ketagalan Boulevard to visit KMT legislators engaged in a hunger strike protest.

Regarding the 'I Am Human, I Oppose Poison Taiwan' mass rally to be held on Ketagalan Boulevard after the National Congress on July 25, Cheng called for unity across party lines, urging all people to raise their voices in anger over food safety. She hopes this gathering will truly shake the arrogant DPP. Cheng also demanded that Premier Cho Jung-tai resign, called for President Lai to apologize, and insisted the Lai administration must be held accountable and take responsibility.