New Taipei mayor Hou Yu-ih has thrown his full weight behind Lee Si-chuan to succeed him, a boost for the KMT's campaign ahead of year-end local elections.

• Hou said plainly that Lee Si-chuan is "the next runner" after him and that he fully supports Lee serving New Taipei residents.
• The two appeared together twice in three days, a sign Hou is now actively campaigning for him.
• New Taipei is Taiwan's most populous city, so the race is a major test of KMT strength.
• Hou is term-limited, making a smooth handover to a chosen successor his main way to protect his political legacy.

Outlook: Expect Hou and Lee to keep campaigning side by side as the year-end election fight heats up.