TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Embattled Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安) has survived a high-profile recall vote despite a corruption conviction and a series of ongoing political controversies.
Kao held a press conference at 7 p.m. Saturday to announce the results and thanked voters, saying the outcome represented not just support for her personally but also a collective rejection of political infighting.
The vote failed to meet the required threshold for removal. Of the 360,311 eligible voters in Hsinchu City, at least 90,078 affirmative votes were needed for the recall to succeed, and the number of “yes” votes had to exceed those voting “no.”
As of 7:20 p.m., the recall received 83,075 votes in favor (40.98%) and 119,635 votes against (59.02%), according to the Central Election Commission.
Kao remains suspended from her duties due to a pending corruption case. In June 2024, the Taipei District Court sentenced her to seven years and four months in prison under the Anti-Corruption Act.
She was found guilty of misappropriating legislative assistant funds during her time as a legislator from 2020 to 2022, inflating salaries and overtime payments to divert funds for office expenses and personal use.
She has appealed the verdict and maintains her innocence. If her conviction is overturned, she could be reinstated as mayor and resume her duties.
Following her conviction, Kao resigned from the TPP. In July 2024, the Executive Yuan suspended her under the Local Government Act, appointing Deputy Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan (邱臣遠) as acting mayor.
Kao’s political career has been marked by repeated controversy. Beyond the corruption charges, she has faced allegations of plagiarism in her academic thesis and cronyism, and the appointment of a romantic partner as a senior aide. Her administrative leadership has also been criticized.
Major infrastructure projects, including the Hsinchu Baseball Stadium renovation and a new performing arts center, have been plagued by delays, construction defects, and budget concerns during her tenure. She has been accused of prioritizing large-scale commercial events, such as a billion-dollar shopping festival, while neglecting local businesses and essential municipal services.
Critics also accuse her of hypocrisy, noting that while she previously condemned her predecessor’s use of restricted tendering practices, she has continued to use the same procurement methods. Several campaign promises remain unfulfilled, fueling voter disappointment.
