The race for New Taipei mayor has shifted, with DPP candidate Su Chiao-hui closing the gap from behind to draw level — bad news for the KMT's Li Ssu-chuan.

• Su Chiao-hui opened her campaign headquarters in Banqiao, with Lai Ching-te, Tsai Ing-wen and Chen Chi-mai appearing on stage alongside her, giving her a clear boost in momentum.
• The latest opinion poll shows the two candidates almost tied in support, with the advantage once enjoyed by Li Ssu-chuan narrowing.
• The KMT has governed New Taipei for many years, and discontent over transport, urban renewal and the living environment has built up, creating a mood of "let's give someone else a turn."
• Li Ssu-chuan's property holdings and asset declarations have come under question, his ties with construction firms remain unclear, and he has yet to put forward any memorable policy proposals.
• The DPP has campaigned as a united front this time, while the KMT has been going its separate ways internally; combined with its confrontational image in the Legislative Yuan, this has cost the party ground in the local race.

Outlook: If momentum behind Puma Shen in Taipei rises in parallel, the results of the November 28 elections in Taipei and New Taipei could differ from what observers originally expected.