TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The DPP may nominate Deputy Justice Minister Huang Shih-chieh (黃世杰) as its candidate in the upcoming Taoyuan mayoral election.
Despite actively searching for a candidate, the DPP has yet to settle on a nominee. Legislator Wang Yi-chuan (王義川) and former Keelung Mayor Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) have declined to run, while Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Ho Chih-wei (何志偉) failed to gain sufficient support in the party’s internal polling to secure backing from senior DPP leaders, per TVBS.
A source within the DPP said that with Wang and Ho currently not considered viable candidates, DPP Secretary-General Hsu Kuo-yung (徐國勇) has turned to Huang as a possible nominee, per Mirror Media. Another party insider said that when Huang joined the Cabinet, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) had already reminded him to prepare for the upcoming election.
The insider noted that Huang narrowly lost to his KMT opponent Tu Chuan-chi (涂權吉) by about 1,000 votes in a previous race after the DPP vote split, per Tai Sounds. Citing Huang’s continued engagement in Taoyuan, the source said his local connections could strengthen his chances in a mayoral bid.
Huang’s local roots could become a central theme in the race, as Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政) has faced criticism for not spending enough time in the city. A local political insider said that although Taoyuan’s migrant population is increasing, elections still rely heavily on local factions, giving “local identity” particular political weight.
Aides aligned with former Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) were initially surprised by the reports but later expressed support for framing the race as a contest between local and outsider candidates.
Responding to the reports, Huang said his current focus remains on his work at the Justice Ministry but that he would serve his hometown if called upon, per UDN. However, DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) said the party’s election committee has not yet discussed potential nominees for the Taoyuan mayoral race, per Liberty Times.
DPP Taoyuan City Council Caucus Convener Hsu Chia-jiu (許家睿) said the caucus believes Huang is well qualified, citing his education and background, per Newtalk. He added that as long as the election committee names a candidate soon, the DPP could perform strongly in the race.
Chang also commented on the possibility of facing Huang in the general election, per Liberty Times. He said he remains focused on governance so voters can make an informed decision but described Huang as a trustworthy opponent.
Meanwhile, KMT Taoyuan City Councilor Chan Chiang-tsun (詹江村) said Huang is not well known outside the legislative district where he ran in 2024, per UDN. Chan added that Huang appeared to emerge as a potential candidate after Ho lost favor in polling and Wang showed little interest in running.
