Taiwan's ruling DPP is rallying behind Puma Shen (沈伯洋) for Taipei mayor, a positive push for the party as it builds toward the next city election.

• A support group of dentists formed to back Shen, the DPP's pick for Taipei mayor, at an event headlined by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim.
• Hsiao praised Shen as fitting four qualities for a capital-city mayor: willing to take responsibility, warm and empathetic, a strong communicator, and forward-looking with an international outlook.
• Other DPP figures turned out to show support, including Chen Shih-chung and health official Lin Ching-yi, signaling the party is closing ranks early.
• Hsiao tied the campaign to President Lai Ching-te's priorities — defending democracy and security, growing the economy, and expanding social care — and stressed the need for cooperative local leaders who won't block central government plans.
• Shen defended his "night mayor" idea to manage nighttime safety, the night economy, and friction between residents and nightlife, pointing to Amsterdam's experience of lower complaints and crime.

Outlook: Expect Shen to keep courting professional and party backing as the Taipei mayoral race heats up.