TAIPEI (TVBS News) — In the current landscape of the Kuomintang (KMT), there doesn't seem to be an obvious candidate able to rival Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, former legislator Julian Kuo said on Tuesday (March 12).
Per popularity poll results made public by the TVBS News on the same day, Lu topped the chart with a 62% approval rating. She's considered the most likely candidate to represent the KMT in the 2028 Presidential Election.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai followed closely behind with a satisfaction rating of 57%, securing the second position. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an trailed at third with a 56% approval rate. This is Chiang's first appearance in the poll.
According to Kuo, Lu and Chen's warm and moderate rhetoric styles are key factors behind their acceptance among the public. However, Kuo also claimed that sharp, conflicting issues could emerge as real challenges should Lu consider running for president.
While Lu's polls are high during her mayoral term, Kuo pointed out that it doesn't guarantee smooth sailing in the presidential race. Yet he said that looking at the current dynamics within the KMT, there's no evident contender capable of vying against Lu.