Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party is pulling out all stops to defend its local government seats, which is a high-stakes moment for President Lai Ching-te's leadership.

• President Lai, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, former President Tsai Ing-wen, and Premier Cho Jung-tai are splitting campaign duties across the island ahead of the November 28 elections.
• Each plays a different role: Lai handles large-scale political mobilization, Hsiao connects with younger voters through casual events like biking and health walks, Tsai leans on her personal popularity and hiking trips with candidates, and Cho fights on policy and legislative turf.
• The stakes are high for the DPP — in the last local elections in 2022, the party won only 5 seats, its worst result ever, and this vote is seen as a preview of the 2028 presidential race.
• Taipei and New Taipei are the fiercest battlegrounds, with Taichung and Keelung also competitive, while the party's support looks more stable in the south.
• The four leaders are coordinating jointly rather than relying on one single image, mixing solo visits with joint appearances to maximize momentum for local candidates.

Outlook: Expect the DPP's top leaders to keep intensifying joint campaign appearances through the final weeks before the November 28 vote, especially in the tightly contested Taipei and New Taipei races.