Hou Yu-ih Backs Lee Szu-chuan's Registration to Run for New Taipei Mayor
The Kuomintang has completed a generational handover in New Taipei City — good news for the pan-blue camp's electoral prospects, and pressure on Democratic Progressive Party candidate Su Chiao-hui.
- Lee Szu-chuan formally registered his candidacy for New Taipei mayor, with incumbent mayor Hou Yu-ih on hand to show his support.
- Hou posted publicly on Facebook in support for the first time, effectively handing the municipal baton to Lee.
- Candidates for city councillor from the Kuomintang, the Taiwan People's Party and independents all attended, making the blue-white cooperation clear.
- Rival Su Chiao-hui's campaign headquarters opens the following day, with both Lai Ching-te and Tsai Ing-wen due to attend.
Outlook: The race for New Taipei mayor is entering a phase pitting a consolidated blue-white front against a fully mobilised green camp, and the contest is set to heat up quickly.