Taiwan's ruling-opposition local election season is opening, and the KMT is lining up behind Lee Si-chuan for New Taipei mayor — a show of unity that looks good for the party.

• Lee Si-chuan registers his candidacy for New Taipei mayor on September 4, as sign-ups open for the 2026 local elections.
• Current New Taipei mayor Hou Yu-ih called Lee "the strongest leader of the pack" and promised to be his biggest backer.
• Hou stopped short of confirming he will show up at the registration himself, leaving that detail open.
• The KMT expects Lee to pull city council candidates along with him, using his popularity to lift the whole ticket.

Outlook: Attention now turns to whether Hou appears alongside Lee at registration, and how much of a boost Lee's name gives KMT down-ballot candidates.