TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) Chairperson Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文) visited Changhua County on Sunday (Dec. 7) to coordinate the party's three potential candidates for the 2026 magistrate election. The party leader earlier attended a celebration in Nantou County, performing "Little Apple" with County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華). Cheng's visit aims to resolve tensions among contenders for the crucial central Taiwan seat.
Cheng signaled support for former legislator Hsieh Yi-fong (謝衣鳳), emphasizing female leadership's importance by stating a home needs women for stability. Former Changhua County Magistrate Chuo Po-yuan (卓伯源) also backs Hsieh, while former magistrates Hung Rong-zhang (洪榮章) and Ko Cheng-fang (柯呈枋) expressed interest in running. The three candidates showed minimal interaction during the party event.
Hsieh Yi-fong confirmed discussions with the KMT's central committee regarding the Changhua magistrate race, expressing hope for continued party governance in the county. Cheng described the Taichung, Changhua, and Nantou region as the KMT's "Golden Triangle" in central Taiwan. The party chairperson emphasized ongoing efforts to solicit support, coordinate candidates, and communicate within party ranks.
Hsieh Yi-fong's potential nomination would create Taiwan's first brother-sister political leadership team alongside her brother, Changhua County Speaker Hsieh Tien-lin (謝典林). County Speaker Hsieh stated that despite their familial ties, they pursue political support independently. He emphasized his focus on attracting younger voters to the party. ◼