The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has finalized candidates for 19 county and city leadership positions ahead of the year-end local elections, according to reports from June 27, 2026. While the party has yet to announce nominees for Hualien, Kinmen, and Lienchiang, Lin Chun-hsien stated that the party is aiming to outperform its 2022 results, with a strategic focus on holding its strongholds in Tainan and Kaohsiung while targeting gains in New Taipei City.
Strategic focus on regional strongholds
Lin Chun-hsien, speaking in a recent media interview, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to retain control of Tainan and Kaohsiung. He noted that while the party only secured five seats in 2022, current projections suggest a stronger performance this year. Specifically, Lin identified Chiayi City, Yilan County, and Changhua County as potential targets for regaining local governance.
Did You Know? The Democratic Progressive Party has already finalized 19 of its candidates for the upcoming local elections, with only the Hualien, Kinmen, and Lienchiang districts remaining pending as of June 27, 2026.
The significance of the New Taipei race
The race for New Taipei City is being viewed as a potential turning point for the party. According to Lin, if the DPP manages to secure the New Taipei mayoral seat, it would represent a “super victory” for the party. Conversely, the loss of traditional strongholds like Tainan or Kaohsiung would likely place the future of President Lai Ching-te’s 2028 reelection bid under significant scrutiny.
Expert Insight: The party’s emphasis on “clean, diligent, and patriotic” governance, as highlighted by President Lai, serves as a foundational platform. However, the political stakes are high; historical trends, such as the 2018 “Han Kuo-yu phenomenon” in Kaohsiung, serve as a reminder of how quickly local support can shift, necessitating a cautious approach despite current polling leads.
What happens next in the electoral landscape?
The party is expected to maintain a disciplined approach to its southern strongholds, particularly in Kaohsiung, where leadership continuity remains a priority. Lin emphasized that Mayor Chen Chi-mai must serve until the end of his term to ensure a stable transition, contrasting this with past instances where officials resigned early to take up central government positions.
While some media outlets have reported varying results in recent polls, including instances where opposition candidates have narrowed the gap, the party maintains that internal data shows a double-digit lead in both Tainan and Kaohsiung. The party plans to continue its current strategy while remaining vigilant against potential electoral upsets as the election date approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which regions are currently considered the primary targets for the DPP?
The party is focused on retaining Tainan and Kaohsiung while aiming to regain control in Chiayi City, Yilan County, and Changhua County, with New Taipei City identified as a key battleground.
What is the party’s stance on the current polling data?
Lin Chun-hsien stated that while some external polls show tightening races, the party’s internal data indicates a stable, double-digit lead in Tainan and Kaohsiung.
Why is the New Taipei race considered so critical?
According to Lin, winning New Taipei would be considered a “super victory,” whereas failing to hold onto traditional seats in the south could jeopardize the party’s broader political trajectory for 2028.
Do you believe that focusing on traditional strongholds is sufficient to secure a broader victory in the upcoming local elections?
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