TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) has reportedly emerged as the DPP’s top pick for Taipei’s mayoral race.
The DPP has ruled out selecting Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君) as its candidate, citing her continued importance in overseeing tariff negotiations with the US, per Mirror Media. A senior DPP official noted that Cheng’s role in these key talks is critical, and replacing her could send the wrong message to the US.
As attention shifts to Shen, some faction leaders and party aides have expressed concerns about his candidacy. Critics have questioned whether Shen’s focus on the CCP’s cognitive warfare will resonate with broader Taipei voters.
A DPP insider also pointed to Shen’s involvement in the failed recall campaign against KMT lawmakers, noting the negativity surrounding his image due to attacks from both the KMT and the TPP. The insider warned that mishandling his nomination could harm the DPP’s ability to forge alliances with party candidates in nearby municipalities.
One DPP source suggested that Shen’s anti-China stance has proven ineffective in past local elections and recall campaigns, per TVBS. However, Taipei City Councilor Hung Chien-yi (洪健益) argued that Shen could help the party expand its support among younger voters, per FTV.
Meanwhile, DPP Taipei City Councilor Chien Shu-pei (簡舒培) stressed that appealing to the DPP base is crucial, especially after the party lost ground to the TPP’s Huang Shan-shan (黃珊珊) in the 2022 mayoral election, per Fount Media. Despite this, Chien cautioned that Shen’s controversial reputation may pose challenges.
DPP Legislative Caucus Secretary-General Chuang Jui-hsiung (莊瑞雄) emphasized that the party would nominate a prominent and well-known figure for the Taipei mayoral race, per UDN.
