Will Lu Hsiu-yen announce 2028 presidential run upon leaving office? KMT legislator claims it's 'inevitable' — her latest response and relationship with Chiang Wan-an revealed

With three months to go before the 2026 county and city elections, candidates across Taiwan are actively preparing. On October 10, KMT legislator Yeh Yuan-chih appeared on Zhen Media's program 'News! May I Ask?' and claimed that Taichung Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen announcing her 2028 presidential run on December 25, 2024—the day her mayoral term ends—would be 'inevitable,' sparking public attention. In response, Lu, speaking to reporters on October 11, did not directly confirm the speculation, merely expressing gratitude for public interest in her movements and reiterating her pledge to 'finish strong' as Taichung mayor, a promise she made upon taking office.

Is Lu Hsiu-yen’s next step after leaving office a presidential run? What did Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin say?

Lu Hsiu-yen is widely seen as a leading KMT candidate for the 2028 presidential election. Last month, Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin, appearing on the show 'Guandian Qin Baozhan,' discussed the 2028 political landscape, stating that the current political battleground remains the 2026 local elections. Regarding whether Lu would launch her 'next phase' after stepping down on December 25, Cheng said, 'We’ve heard these voices and will respond accordingly. We won’t disappoint the public!' He asked for patience from the public, sparking widespread discussion.

Taichung Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin (left front) previously commented on Lu Hsiu-yen’s future political moves. (Photo source: Central News Agency)

What did Yeh Yuan-chih reveal about Lu Hsiu-yen running for president?

On October 10, during the program, Yeh Yuan-chih stated that although the KMT is currently 'not even discussing 2028' internally, he believes it would not be surprising if Lu announced her presidential bid on December 25. Since her mayoral term officially ends on that date, announcing her candidacy immediately afterward would be a natural political move. He described the possibility as 'inevitable.' Yeh cited former KMT chairman Eric Chu, who announced his 2024 presidential run immediately after stepping down as New Taipei City mayor in 2022, as a precedent, noting such transitions are common.

What about the competitive-cooperative relationship with Chiang Wan-an? Lu Hsiu-yen responds

Meanwhile, public attention has also focused on the potential rivalry or alliance between Lu Hsiu-yen and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, whose popularity has recently surged, ahead of the 2028 race. Lu, speaking before a city council meeting on the morning of October 11, avoided directly confirming whether she would announce her presidential bid on December 25. Instead, she emphasized her current role as Taichung mayor and her pledge to 'finish strong,' stating, 'I am a person who keeps my word—I will definitely finish strong.' Regarding her relationship with Chiang Wan-an, she described their long-standing bond as deeply fraternal, saying they have always been 'on the same team.'

More exclusive Feng Media insights: · Taipei mayoral race turning? Latest support ratings for Chiang Wan-an and Shen Bo-yang revealed—he leads by 40 percentage points but faces reversal · Revealed: The 'two suns' in the KMT are already showing 'chemical changes'! Huang Yang-ming reveals Chiang Wan-an’s true role: saving Lu Hsiu-yen in 2028 · Taipei political landscape shifting? August support ratings for Chiang Wan-an and Shen Bo-yang revealed—he exclaims: 'This can’t be the only one seeing this'