TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In Hualien, on a drizzly Sunday morning (Nov. 26), Hsiao Bi-khim returned to the political frontline to rally support for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative candidate Chang Mei-hui. Despite the unpleasant weather, the event attracted over 2,000 enthusiastic supporters.
Hsiao, a political veteran who faced her first electoral defeat in a 2010 by-election in Hualien, has been a persistent advocate for the region. In 2016, she made history by securing a 53.8% majority in Hualien, a first for the DPP in the area. However, she faced defeat in the 2020 legislative elections, losing to Fu Kun-chi by a narrow margin of 7,575 votes.
After her electoral loss, Hsiao was appointed to a diplomatic position in the United States, where she achieved notable foreign policy successes.
Chang Mei-hui, addressing the crowd, highlighted Hualien's developmental lag compared to Taitung and stressed the need for a representative who could continue the work of Hsiao and Chang's late husband, former Hualien Mayor Tien Chih-hsuan. She urged constituents to choose a candidate dedicated to serving the people.
Hualien, traditionally a Kuomintang (KMT) stronghold, has seen significant DPP advances, making the political landscape in the region a point of interest during election seasons.
DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, Premier Chen Chien-jen, Legislative Yuan President You Si-kun, former agriculture minister Chen Chi-chung, and DPP Legislator Fan Yun also appeared on stage to support Chang Mei-hui, highlighting the DPP's focus on winning seats in historically KMT-leaning areas.