KMT 2028 Presidential Race Shakeup? Scholar Names 'This Big Name' Beyond Lu Hsiu-yen and Han Kuo-yu: Should Run If 3 Conditions Met

As the 2026 local elections approach, attention is turning to the 2028 presidential race. Within the Kuomintang (KMT), Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has emerged as a potential frontrunner, alongside Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen, KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-chun, and Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu. Chiang has recently drawn public attention by mobilizing citizens against toxic cooking oil and raising votes of no confidence, frequently commenting on national issues. On the program 'Looking at the World,' Cultural University journalism professor Chuang Po-chung stated that Chiang should consider running for president in 2028 if three conditions are met. Regarding Chiang's potential candidacy, Chuang noted that his circle is divided: one side believes he should avoid short-term gains and not 'break the bowl by rushing to eat'; the other side argues he should aim directly for the presidency. Chuang himself supports the latter view. He analyzed that first, if Chiang wins re-election this year but does not run in 2028, he will lose his political platform after stepping down in 2030. Second, if Chiang fulfills his policy promises—such as attracting NVIDIA to set up a factory—and gains public approval, his 2028 run would not be criticized. Third, there must be strong public demand, such as high poll numbers supporting his candidacy. If these three conditions are met, Chiang should challenge for the presidency. On who is suitable for the KMT in 2028, Chuang stated that whether it's Lai Qing-te seeking re-election or Chiang Wan-an, Lu Hsiu-yen, or Han Kuo-yu running, 'Taiwan doesn't specifically need any one person.' He emphasized that with 23 million people, Taiwan has abundant talent and can surely find equally or even more capable leaders. More exclusive insights from Storm Media: ‧ Zhen Media Poll: It's not Lu Hsiu-yen! The most popular KMT-PFP 2028 presidential candidate tops the list — 'that man' also breaks into the rankings ‧ Not Lu Hsiu-yen! Shen Fu-hsiung claims only one KMT candidate can beat Lai Qing-te in 2028: all other 'sunshine' candidates will lose ‧ 'Chiang Wan-an absolutely must not run in 2028' — a KMT strategist fires the first shot: these two KMT heavyweights are more suitable