TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The DPP on Wednesday nominated Zhubei Mayor Cheng Chao-fang (鄭朝方) as its candidate for Hsinchu County magistrate, following months of efforts by the party to persuade him to enter the race.
President and DPP Chair Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended Cheng’s nomination ceremony, praising his ability to incorporate the arts into governance, per Storm Media. Lai also expressed confidence in Cheng’s ability to help narrow the urban-rural divide in Hsinchu County.
Speaking about his tenure in Zhubei, Cheng said the city’s infrastructure and cultural development had lagged behind its rapid population growth. He highlighted projects including the renovation of a pedestrian and motorcycle underpass and the organization of major cultural events.
Cheng said he would apply his experience in Zhubei to governing Hsinchu County, developing tailored policies and visions for each municipality, per CNA.
DPP Legislator Wang Shih-chien (王世堅) praised the nomination, citing Cheng’s family’s long-standing involvement in local politics, per Newtalk. Wang said Cheng’s track record in elected office and his family’s political influence could give him a significant advantage in the race.
Political commentator Wang Jui-te (王瑞德), however, questioned the decision to nominate Cheng, per ETtoday. Describing Zhubei as the political and economic center of the county, he criticized the DPP for risking control of a city where it is relatively competitive in order to contest one of the party’s most challenging local races.
Cheng’s opponent, KMT Legislator Hsu Hsin-ying (徐欣瑩), also commented on the nomination, per UDN. She congratulated Cheng on “finally being nominated after months of reconsideration” and noted that she had secured her party’s nomination through a primary election.
Hsu said she would work to unite residents and promote the county’s development. Cheng responded by suggesting voters might not view the KMT’s “cutthroat primary” process favorably, per Liberty Times.
