TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) may be emerging as the DPP’s most likely candidate for Taipei mayor after her stance on running reportedly softened.

DPP lawmaker Wang Shih-chien (王世堅) said he has no intention of running for mayor but would fully support efforts to draft Cheng as the party’s candidate, per SETN. He said her ability and integrity make her a strong contender.

Former legislator Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康) also urged patience, saying the party should allow the most suitable candidate to “finish her tasks on hand,” per ETtoday. Citing former President Tsai Ing-wen’s previous bid for New Taipei mayor, which was announced in late May, he said the party does not need to rush its decision.

Cheng said Tuesday that her focus remains on tariff issues, per Storm Media. She reportedly told the DPP’s election committee to “find themselves a mayoral candidate,” per TVBS.

However, party sources said her position may have softened. DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) said Saturday that the party will soon nominate its Taipei mayor candidate.

Asked about the possibility of Cheng entering the race, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said his focus is on improving the city rather than his own reelection.

Meanwhile, Taiwan Forward founder Enoch Wu (吳怡農), who announced in October 2025 that he intended to seek the DPP nomination, said he respects the party’s decision not to consider him a potential candidate, per Liberty Times.

Wu said he could not comment on internal discussions because he was not involved, but he fully respects the party’s final decision. He added that several figures, including Cheng, would be strong candidates for Taipei mayor.