Taiwan’s 2026 local elections are entering a more intense phase as political parties prepare for the November 28 vote, with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) seeking to expand its number of mayoral and county magistrate seats.
The DPP currently holds five top-level city and county executive positions following the 2022 local elections. Party officials and people familiar with its campaign strategy have discussed a goal of retaining those five seats while competing for additional posts, including in New Taipei, Keelung, Yilan, Changhua, Chiayi City and Hsinchu County.
The elections will cover mayors and county magistrates as well as city and county councilors, township-level officials and village and borough wardens.
New Taipei Emerges as a Closely Watched Race
Among the contests attracting particular attention is the New Taipei mayoral election, where DPP legislator Su Chiao-hui is running against KMT candidate Lee Shu-chuan, a former Taipei deputy mayor.
Lee is seeking to succeed incumbent New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih, whose eight-year tenure is coming to an end. CNA has described the race as closely contested, while Taiwan News has highlighted New Taipei as a key battleground for the DPP’s broader local-election strategy.
Both candidates have already stepped up campaign activities. In September, Lee opened a joint campaign headquarters with New Taipei City Council Speaker Chiang Ken-huang, while Su has continued touring local districts and presenting her policy priorities.
DPP Seeks to Defend Its Existing Strongholds
The DPP’s current five city and county executive seats are in Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung County, Penghu County and Chiayi County.
According to CNA’s September 26 report, the party is seeking to retain those positions while also competing in several additional races.
The party has also promoted younger candidates in several contests as part of an effort to develop a new generation of local political leaders.
However, these are campaign objectives rather than election results, and the final outcome will be determined by voters on November 28.
Taipei Race Adds Another High-Profile Contest
Neighboring Taipei City is also drawing attention.
The DPP has nominated legislator Puma Shen to challenge incumbent KMT Mayor Chiang Wan-an. CNA’s candidate listing confirms both are running in the November election.
The Taipei and New Taipei races are particularly prominent because of the metropolitan area’s population, political visibility and importance to Taiwan’s broader local-government landscape.
Campaign Season Moves Into a Critical Stage
The election campaign is now moving toward a more active period, with candidates holding rallies, visiting local communities and promoting city-specific policy proposals.
Su has highlighted infrastructure and development priorities in New Taipei, including the Taipei Metro Sanying Line, the proposed Jin-Cheng Interchange and redevelopment plans following the planned relocation of the Taipei Detention Center.
Lee, meanwhile, has campaigned on continuing infrastructure and development projects associated with the current administration, including plans involving Wenzizun redevelopment and transportation infrastructure.
Why the November Vote Matters
Taiwan’s local elections will provide voters with decisions across 22 cities and counties, alongside thousands of other local offices.
The DPP’s performance will also receive national political attention because President and DPP Chair Lai Ching-te leads the party heading into the vote. Taiwan News and CNA have reported that the election is being viewed within the DPP as an important test of its local political strength.
Still, the November 28 election remains a local vote in which individual races, candidates, local issues and voter preferences will determine the results.
With roughly two months remaining before polling day, New Taipei, Taipei and several traditionally competitive counties and cities are likely to remain closely watched as campaigning intensifies.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
