A well-known Taiwanese ceramic and cut-and-paste art master has pulled out of the Chiayi County magistrate race at the last minute after his family objected — a setback for local politics but a relief for his health and business.

• Hsieh Tung-che picked up registration forms for both Chiayi County magistrate and Hsinkang Township chief, then announced his withdrawal on Facebook just before registration closed.
• His wife and children opposed the run, outvoting him 4 to 1, because he is still recovering from major surgery and doing daily rehab.
• The family also pointed to a full order book at his company, a young team that needs training, and teaching programs already scheduled into next year.
• He had already promised to head the arts support group for DPP magistrate candidate Tsai Yi-yu, and the incumbent township chief is a personal friend.

Outlook: He plans to stay involved in local affairs as a nonprofit volunteer, pushing policy ideas from outside the race.