TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) may opt not to run for Kuomintang chair and instead focus on completing her mayoral term, according to party insiders.

A KMT source told UDN that regardless of the outcome of the Aug. 28 recall election, Lu may choose not to join the leadership race. KMT Chair Eric Chu’s (朱立倫) term ends in October.

Other insiders told ETtoday that Lu has not made a final decision and still has a greater chance of entering the race than not. They noted she could potentially hold both roles, meeting expectations from Taichung constituents and KMT members.

UP Media reported that party strategists see central Taiwan as pivotal for the 2028 presidential election. While the KMT’s northern base is expected to remain secure under Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) and Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川), insiders warned the region could be at risk if Lu cannot help Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) win the Taichung mayoralty.

A senior KMT magistrate said the party should not rely too heavily on one individual, citing the July 26 recall election as an example of success through local party organizations and the KMT–TPP alliance, despite limited support from party central.

If Lu declines to run, observers believe Chu’s chances of retaining his position would increase significantly, per Storm Media. Sources close to both Chu and Lu are reportedly working to broker a cooperative arrangement.

KMT insiders acknowledged that with enough support from party heavyweights and legislators, opposition to Chu could be contained, though skepticism remains. Critics point to the 2022 local elections, when a Miaoli legislator defied party orders not to run for county magistrate — a move blamed on Chu’s lack of political authority, per UP Media and Business Today.

Following UDN’s report, members of the anti-Chu faction voiced concern over a repeat of the 2022 episode. A prominent pro-Lu KMT figure called her the party’s top choice for chair and said efforts would continue to persuade her to enter the race.

Meanwhile, Sun Yat-sen School Principal Chang Ya-chung (張亞中), a declared candidate, welcomed the possibility of Lu staying out, arguing that the roles of party chair and presidential candidate should remain separate. “Do you want to elect a presidential candidate or a party chair in this leadership race?” Chang asked party members.