Not Just Hsinchu, Yilan Too! Cheng Li-wen Admits '4 Governing Counties/Cities' Face Tough Election Prospects: Can Kaohsiung Flip in 2026?

With the 2026 county and city mayoral elections drawing closer—just under four months away—the Kuomintang (KMT) Central Standing Committee formally nominated six incumbent mayors and magistrates for re-election on the 22nd, including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen rallied party members with the slogan, "Victory is the only goal," stressing unity. This Saturday not only marks the KMT National Congress (National Party Convention) but also the July 25 'Anti-Toxic Taiwan' rally. In an interview today (23) on the radio program 'Chien Chiu Wan Shih,' Cheng urged the public to gather on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25 and discussed the KMT's year-end election prospects, candidly admitting that four counties—including Changhua—face challenging races.

On July 22, the KMT Central Standing Committee officially nominated six incumbent leaders for re-election: Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng, Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang, Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua, Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin, and Lienchiang County Magistrate Wang Chung-ming. Cheng Li-wen draped campaign sashes on the six candidates, chanted slogans, and emphasized that under the framework of blue-white cooperation, the KMT has completed all nominations and concessions, urging party unity. At the July 25 National Congress, all 22 KMT candidates from across Taiwan will gather for a joint campaign rally.

During the program, Cheng stated that as part of blue-white cooperation, the KMT supports Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an, Taiwan People's Party candidate Chang Chi-kai in Chiayi City, and Puzi Mayor Wu Pin-jui in Chiayi County.

When host Wang Chien-chiu asked whether there were still concerning electoral districts despite the advantage of incumbency, Cheng responded that in addition to traditionally difficult areas such as Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Chiayi County—long-held by the DPP—there are also challenging districts within KMT-governed areas. First, Chiayi City: although it is a green-leaning area, incumbent KMT Mayor Huang Min-hui's personal political strength has maintained an 'undefeated in the East' record. However, a succession could be risky, though the KMT will still fight hard. Second is Changhua County, where nomination controversies have affected the campaign, and integration efforts are still ongoing.

Cheng further identified two additional districts of concern: Hsinchu County and Yilan County. Regarding Hsinchu County, the mayoral nomination in Zhubei City has impacted the overall race. With current Zhubei Mayor Cheng Chao-fang running for county magistrate under the DPP banner, the electoral landscape has significantly shifted, requiring vigilance. However, Cheng noted that despite a heated primary, internal integration is now progressing smoothly, leading to a 'cautiously optimistic' outlook.

As for Yilan County, Cheng explained it has traditionally been a green stronghold and a base for the DPP's New Tide faction. This time, Lai Qing-te has directly sent an 'agent' to run, increasing pressure on the KMT, as the DPP aims to reclaim Yilan.

On southern Taiwan's election prospects, Cheng emphasized that although Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung are tough, flipping them is possible. She noted the narrow margins in the last elections in Kaohsiung and Pingtung and expressed hope for a reversal in 2026. Cheng stressed she would not abandon any district, nor merely 'participate symbolically'—the KMT will fully mobilize and support even non-KMT candidates to achieve breakthroughs.

In closing, Cheng addressed the 'toxic oil' incident, urging Taiwanese citizens to discern truth independently. If the legislature becomes entirely compliant 'yes-men' or 'rubber stamps,' she warned, the final line of defense would be lost. She called on the public to stand up on July 25 to protect Taiwan.