TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang’s (黃國昌) appearance at the KMT anti-recall rally Saturday has sparked speculation that he may be eyeing a run for Taipei mayor.
During the rally, Huang remarked that the Taipei Dome was planned by former Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), built by former mayor and TPP founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), and opened by current Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), per Tai Sounds.
On Sunday, he continued his outreach by leading a TPP vegetable giveaway event in New Taipei City, per Liberty Times.
A KMT insider told Tai Sounds that Huang’s comments were likely strategic, suggesting his appearance at the rally was more than a gesture of support. The insider argued that Huang would have a better chance running in Taipei than challenging Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川) in New Taipei.
However, a source close to Chiang dismissed the speculation, saying Huang’s chances are slim in either city and suggested his best opportunity would be to succeed Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安).
As the TPP continues planning for the 2026 local elections, Taipei City Councilor Huang Tsong-ying (黃瀞瑩) expressed interest in seeing the party nominate a candidate for Taipei mayor. Huang has previously stated his goal of fielding both mayoral and council candidates in all six of the nation’s major municipalities.
Former Ko aide Ke Yu-an (柯昱安) noted that with the TPP holding more city council seats in Taipei than other municipalities, and its clashes with Chiang’s administration over Ko, the capital remains a viable option for Huang. However, NPP Chair Wang Wan-yu (王婉諭) speculated that Huang may be laying the groundwork for a 2028 presidential run instead.
Chiang has not commented directly on the possibility of facing Huang in the next mayoral race, per FTNN.
TPP Taipei City Councilor Chen You-cheng (陳宥丞) dismissed the rumors as an attempt to sow division between the KMT and the TPP, per UDN. He emphasized that the party remains focused on supporting Ko and opposing the ongoing recall efforts targeting KMT lawmakers.
On a recent visit to Xizhi District in New Taipei, Huang joined TPP Legislator Lin Kuo-cheng (林國成) for a transportation infrastructure inspection, per ETtoday. DPP Legislator Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤) criticized the visit as a political stunt and an obvious move to boost Huang’s visibility ahead of the 2026 elections.
