Taiwan’s political scene is heating up as Huang Kuo-chang, chair of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), announces his plan to run for New Taipei City mayor in 2026. This decision could significantly impact opposition coalition efforts in upcoming elections.
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih responded by welcoming “anyone who wants to contribute to the city.” However, Hou quickly shifted the conversation to urgent disaster preparedness due to the incoming Typhoon Podul. His reaction shows the city’s current priorities but does not downplay the political implications.
Political commentator Huang Wei-han highlights Huang Kuo-chang’s rising profile. After upholding the TPP’s two-year term limit for legislators-at-large and playing a major role in the anti-recall movement, Huang has attracted more attention. Huang Wei-han believes Huang Kuo-chang wants to remind voters of the failed TPP-KMT cooperation during the 2024 elections. He hopes this will boost his standing. This move may complicate opposition coalition efforts ahead of 2026.
Coordinating candidates in New Taipei remains a major hurdle for the opposition. KMT legislator Hung Mong-kai supports selecting the strongest contender through polling. Many see this as a fair way to avoid past mistakes. Several KMT lawmakers stress the need for clear rules to prevent errors like those in 2024. They suggest extending polling periods to ensure fairness.
Meanwhile, former KMT legislator Apollo Chen expresses doubt about Huang’s bid. Chen argues Huang should first prove himself in smaller cities like Keelung before aiming for a major municipality. He also blames the TPP for overestimating its strength in 2024. This hurt opposition coalition efforts.
Insiders say Huang knows the risks of a three-way race. Still, he believes a TPP-KMT alliance can secure victory. They also suggest Mayor Hou’s endorsement of either Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan or Huang could be decisive. This will shape opposition coalition efforts. If Huang wins, he might become a vice-presidential candidate alongside Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen in 2028. However, this could disrupt plans involving Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an.
Polls support Lee Shu-chuan as the leading candidate. A TVBS poll shows Lee outperforms both Huang and possible Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rivals. These include Legislator Su Chiao-hui and former Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang. Formosa Chair Wu Tzu-chia refers to a DPP internal poll confirming Lee as the only KMT contender likely to decisively defeat DPP opponents.
Wu warns the DPP might use underhanded tactics against Lee due to his past consultancy in construction.In conclusion, opposition coalition efforts face a crucial test with Huang Kuo-chang’s mayoral run. How parties coordinate candidates in New Taipei will be key to success in the 2026 elections.
