TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former TPP Legislator Tsai Pi-ju (蔡壁如) announced Wednesday that she intends to run in the Changhua County magistrate race.
Tsai said she believes she holds three advantages over likely KMT candidate Wei Ping-cheng (魏平政), per Tai Sounds. Citing an undisclosed poll, she said she performs better among voters younger than 40, has consolidated support among TPP voters, and could broaden her appeal among women and older voters.
Tsai suggested her candidacy could help stabilize opposition support after divisions caused by the KMT’s handling of its nomination process. She said the next step would be continuing the policies of incumbent Changhua Magistrate Wang Hui-mei (王惠美).
Tsai also expressed support for forming a broader opposition coalition in Changhua, adding that polling showed her leading Wei despite spending relatively little time cultivating local support in the county.
TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) responded to Tsai’s announcement by saying he had instructed TPP Changhua County branch Chair Wen Tsung-yu (溫宗諭) to begin evaluating her potential candidacy, per UP Media. The local branch said it would prioritize meeting supporters’ expectations while strengthening opposition cooperation, per Storm Media.
Tsai also commented on tensions within the KMT, saying the party could struggle to unify local political forces after Wang leaves office, per CNews.
KMT Legislator Hsieh Yi-fong (謝衣鳳), who reportedly polled better than other contenders, was effectively removed from consideration after her family declined to support her candidacy. KMT Changhua County branch Chair Hsiao Ching-tien (蕭景田), who succeeded Hsieh as branch chief, is reportedly backing Wei as part of a broader effort to pave the way for his own return to the legislature after losing his seat in 2012.
Tsai’s announcement came shortly after Hsieh revealed results from an undisclosed poll showing Wei trailing Tsai, per Liberty Times. In an interview, Hsieh said KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) had previously expressed support for nominating the strongest candidate but ultimately passed over Hsieh despite her stronger polling numbers and support from the TPP.
Hsieh complained that she and two other potential candidates had spent a year building grassroots support only for Wei to emerge late in the process and secure the nomination, per NOWNews. She added that the KMT should require candidates to provide written proof of family support before entering future elections.
