Taiwan's KMT and TPP are heading into the 2026 local elections divided in Zhubei, a fight that could cost both parties a winnable seat.

• Registration for the 2026 local elections has opened, and both the KMT and TPP are running separate candidates for Zhubei mayor.
• In Hsinchu City the two parties are cooperating, with TPP founder Ko Wen-je and KMT chair Cheng Li-wun both escorting incumbent mayor Ann Kao to register at the same time — likely putting the rivals on the same stage.
• The TPP accuses the KMT of breaking a deal to stand aside in Zhubei in exchange for not nominating a Hsinchu County magistrate candidate; the KMT denies any withdrawal is settled.
• A former lawmaker says talks among party heavyweights have produced agreement that only blue-white cooperation can win, hinting at a deal soon, but both candidates say they are pressing ahead.
• Elsewhere, Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an has become the KMT's strongest draw and is now trading attacks with DPP challengers, while President Lai pushes a new fund to help small businesses upgrade.

Outlook: A last-minute blue-white deal in Zhubei is possible before the September 3 registration deadline, but with neither candidate backing down, a damaging three-way split remains likely.