TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The DPP’s primary race for Kaohsiung mayor is intensifying, with internal factions, political scandals, and potential candidate realignments shaping what appears to be a narrowing field of viable contenders.
On Thursday, Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑) unveiled new campaign posters prominently featuring himself alongside Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) and President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), per UDN. Hsu emphasized that he obtained permission from Lai to use his image, amid speculation that he might withdraw from the race.
Legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) launched similar promotional materials in March, also showcasing Chen and Lai, per CNA. Meanwhile, Legislator Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) garnered attention by including City Councilor Huang Yen-yu (黃彥毓), who previously served under former Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊), in his campaign materials, per SETN.
Hsu and Lai Jui-lung belong to the same DPP faction, while Chiu maintains close ties with them. The outlier in the race is Legislator Lin Tai-hua (林岱樺), whose campaign has faltered following an embezzlement scandal that dropped her from frontrunner to the bottom of the polls.
Although Lin has not withdrawn, party sources suggest her faction could play a kingmaker role if her comeback efforts fail, per Up Media. The race increasingly appears to be consolidating around Lai Jui-lung and Chiu Yi-ying, per Tai Sounds.
Lai Jui-lung, though supported by a powerful DPP faction, faces a significant challenge in boosting his public profile. His low recognition was highlighted recently when he was mistaken for a bystander by police while supporting a recall effort in Hualien.
Chiu, in contrast, is a seasoned and high-profile lawmaker, though seen as polarizing. She gained notoriety for slapping KMT Legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) during a legislative session.
However, party insiders say Chiu has recently sought to soften her image and adopt a more measured campaign tone. Chiu’s extensive electoral experience and broad factional support have allowed her to take an early lead in campaign momentum, leaving her rivals playing catch-up.
Despite this, local DPP members express concern that neither Lai Jiu-lung nor Chiu would be strong opponents against KMT Legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩). Additionally, infighting could alienate supporters of whichever candidate loses the primary, potentially opening the door to a repeat of the DPP's 2018 defeat in Kaohsiung.
There is also speculation that Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳) may be considered by party leadership as a unity candidate. Her recent criticisms of the KMT and TPP have fueled these rumors. However, DPP insiders caution that managing dissatisfaction among local factions would make such a candidacy difficult to launch.
