Taiwan's Nationalist party got a morale boost in the tight New Taipei mayor race, good news for its candidate Lee Si-chuan and a setback for his rival.

• Outgoing mayor Hou Yu-ih said publicly that Lee Si-chuan is the man to take over from him.
• Lee posted the clip on social media and thanked Hou, saying he will carry the weight and keep building on the work.
• Hou's endorsement matters because his approval rating after eight years in office is above 70%.
• Polls show Lee and rival Su Chiao-hui trading the lead, so neither side has a clear edge.
• Su has avoided attacking Hou and has shared stages with him, a sign of how popular he still is.

Outlook: With about two months left before the vote, expect Hou to campaign visibly for Lee as both camps fight over a race that is still too close to call.