John Chiang Announces Bid for Taichung Mayor as 'Taichung Municipal Accelerator' Launches, With Lu Hsiu-yen as Chairperson Signaling KMT Unity

Legislative Vice President John Chiang formally announced his candidacy for the next Taichung mayoral election on the 1st and launched the 'Flagship City Workstation: Taichung Municipal Accelerator' located at Section 2, Taiwan Boulevard, Taichung City. The event displayed an unprecedented level of unity within the KMT across Greater Taichung, with incumbent Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen personally accepting the role of Chairperson of the Campaign Headquarters. Legislator Yang Chiu-ying was appointed Chief Deputy Chairperson, while regional legislators Yen Kuan-heng, Huang Chien-hao, Liao Wei-hsiang, Lo Ting-wei, Huang Jen, along with local party chair Su Po-hsing and senior councilors Chang Chin-fen, Chen Cheng-tien, Chen Cheng-hsien, and Li Chung, all attended in full force, collectively announcing the official formation of the campaign team and entering a new phase of electoral competition.

In his speech, Chiang expressed deep gratitude to Mayor Lu for her outstanding governance over the past eight years, fulfilling the promise to 'start projects that couldn't begin and complete those that couldn't finish.' Major developments such as the Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Green & Art Museum (Green Beauty Map), the Taichung Dome, the completion of Dazhi Road, and the extension of Municipal Road have transformed Taichung into an irreplaceable city of happiness. Chiang emphasized that 'happiness is the foundation, and transcendence is the mission—Taichung must surpass itself.' The newly launched Municipal Accelerator is not merely a campaign office but a flagship engine for future municipal innovation and international connectivity. With the leadership team fully in place—from chairperson and vice chairs to the chief director—it symbolizes that the entire team is ready to elevate Taichung from a city of happiness to an international flagship city.

Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen personally attended the event, accepted the appointment letter as Chairperson, and delivered remarks. She noted that Taichung has been rated the nation's happiest city for eight consecutive years, and this happiness must be protected. Having led the city's administration for eight years, she clearly understands how to maintain Taichung's happiness and believes that only John Chiang, with his international perspective and execution capability, is the irreplaceable successor.

Highlights of the press conference included Chiang personally presenting appointment letters to key campaign staff. Chief Deputy Chairperson Yang Chiu-ying symbolically handed Chiang a pair of boxing gloves, representing a firm stance against potential smear campaigns and disinformation. Mayor Lu also handed over the baton of municipal governance, symbolizing a seamless transition and perfect alignment between their shared visions for Taichung's future.

When asked by reporters about strategic planning, Chiang responded that the January 1st launch was part of a pre-established plan, and that the team has long-standing, deep cooperation through their work in the Legislative Yuan and local service. This flagship team will ensure seamless continuity and upgrading of city governance. Mayor Lu added that Chiang has been leading the way in policy formulation and organizational rhythm, maintaining their own pace and winning public support through practical, substantive policy discourse, demonstrating healthy and high-quality democratic competition.