TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lin Tai-hua (林岱樺) was indicted Monday by the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office on charges of embezzling government funds intended for legislative assistants, likely ending her bid for the DPP’s nomination in the 2026 Kaohsiung mayoral race.

Lin was once seen as a leading contender, backed by early momentum and strong local organization, per NOWnews. Her previous attempt to secure the DPP nomination in the 2016 mayoral race ended with a loss to current Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁).

According to UDN, her prospects took a hit in February when reports emerged of alleged misuse of assistant subsidies. Prosecutors allege Lin also used funds from a Buddhist foundation—reportedly connected to a monk close to her family—to cover election-related expenses, per UDN.

While Lin has not been expelled from the party, a DPP insider told UDN that expulsion would only follow a conviction. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Central Evaluation Committee Chair Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆), who oversees disciplinary proceedings, is also running in the primary.

Due to the investigation, Lin’s campaign presence has reportedly weakened, with a drop in visible materials and volunteer activity. Some internal DPP polling has already excluded her from consideration as a viable candidate.

Other major contenders include legislators Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩), Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑), and Lai. Political commentator Huang Wei-han (黃暐瀚) said the race is most likely to narrow to Chiu and Lai, per NOWnews.

Huang also dismissed speculation that Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) or Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安) could be appointed as candidates, arguing that the race is already too competitive for outsiders to enter, even with high-level backing.

Local DPP sources told ETtoday that factional ties may not determine the outcome. They cited former Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) as an example, saying that individual qualifications and voter appeal often outweigh factional influence in high-profile local contests.

Despite their strengths, both Chiu and Lai face obstacles: Lai has a more favorable public image but weaker grassroots support, while Chiu enjoys strong local backing but remains a polarizing figure.