TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former Tianwei Township Council Deputy Speaker Huang Kun-huang (黃坤煌) launched an initiative to reject KMT Changhua County magistrate nominee Wei Ping-cheng (魏平政), marking the latest chapter in the party’s nomination controversy.
The KMT decided to nominate Wei over KMT Legislator Hsieh Yi-fong (謝衣鳳), Changhua County Government counselor Ko Cheng-fang (柯呈枋), and former Deputy Magistrate Hung Jung-chang (洪榮章), all of whom had been campaigning for more than a year before Wei entered the race with the backing of KMT Changhua County branch Chair Hsiao Ching-tien (蕭景田).
Wei’s nomination drew immediate backlash from the local political scene. Huang said Wei’s selection reminded him of his own experience trying to compete for the party’s nomination in the Tianwei Township mayoral race, alleging that the party predetermines its candidates before elections take place, per Tai Sounds.
Wei commented on Sunday, noting that he will visit Huang to discuss their differences and continue his outreach efforts. Hsieh, once seen as the front-runner until her family objected to her bid, declined to comment, per Liberty Times.
Hsiao previously commented on the party’s decision to directly recruit its candidate, suggesting that Hsieh could not overcome opposition from her family, per Liberty Times.
Regarding the other two candidates, Hsiao argued that while they may be polling better than Wei at the moment, he believes Wei has a higher "growth ceiling." He stressed that the KMT’s assessment focused strictly on electability.
For the KMT, a strategic target in the election may involve the legislative seat that DPP magistrate nominee Chen Su-yueh (陳素月) would vacate if she wins, per the Journalist. Because Changhua County historically tends to elect a DPP magistrate after a KMT incumbent reaches the two-term limit, the party may acknowledge that a win is unlikely after the Hsieh family refused to back Hsieh Yi-fong.
However, the DPP's lack of a clear successor for Chen in her southeastern district, combined with the publicity boost Wei will receive from the magistrate race, could position him to capture that legislative seat later. Additionally, incumbent Changhua Magistrate Wang Hui-mei (王惠美) may shift to the northeastern electoral district, her traditional stronghold, in an effort to flip another legislative seat from the DPP.
