TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A new poll released Friday shows Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Su Chiao-hui (蘇巧慧) leading potential New Taipei mayoral contenders in public visibility but placing second in voter support.

Su outpaced New Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川) by about 5 percentage points in visibility, per CNews. However, Lee ranked first in favorability, earning nearly 50% positive ratings and 24% unfavorable, making him the only candidate with a net positive image.

In head-to-head matchups, Su defeated both New Taipei Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan (劉和然) and Taiwan People’s Party Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌). Huang trailed Su by 14 points. Against Lee, however, Su fell by roughly 10 points.

If the opposition coalition were to fracture, Lee would still edge Su by fewer than 4 points, while both Liu and Huang would lose to Su, per CNews. Analysts warned the scenario risks repeating the dynamics of the 2024 presidential election, potentially allowing Su to prevail amid a split opposition.

Polling experts noted that Liu’s performance could improve as more Kuomintang supporters become familiar with him, given New Taipei’s tendency to lean KMT.

CNews conducted the poll from Nov. 9 to Nov. 12, surveying 1,200 respondents — 851 via landline and 349 via mobile — with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.83 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Responding to the results, Huang said he would work harder to win voter support and planned to seek governing advice from Lee, citing his experience as deputy mayor in Taipei and Kaohsiung, per NOWNews. Liu echoed Huang’s view, stressing the need to demonstrate his abilities through governance, per UDN.

Asked about early polling for the 2026 New Taipei mayoral race, New Taipei Mayor Hou You-ih (侯友宜) said he would support whoever the KMT nominates, per KNews. Liu has framed his administration as a continuation of Hou’s policies, per Storm Media.