DPP Aims to Double Changhua Mayoral Seats, Faces Uphill Battle in Key Cities

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Changhua County has nominated 10 candidates for township and city mayor positions in the upcoming elections, a record number for the party. The DPP currently holds only four mayoral seats in the county's 26 townships and cities, and this expansion signals a strong ambition to broaden its electoral map.

Internal party assessments indicate that the success of the DPP's county magistrate candidate, Chen Su-yue, will be crucial. If Chen's campaign generates a significant "mother hen leading chicks" effect, the party could potentially secure six to seven mayoral seats. However, a weak county magistrate race or low voter turnout could see their current representation drop below four seats.

Among the nominated candidates, Yongjing Township Mayor Wei Shuo-wei is the only incumbent seeking re-election and is considered to have a strong advantage due to his existing tenure. Other current DPP mayors, such as Changhua City Mayor Lin Shih-hsien, Fuxing Township Mayor Chiang Yen-teng, and Fenyuan Township Mayor Lin Shih-ming, are not running for re-election as mayors but are instead competing for county council seats.

The party faces significant challenges in expanding its base, particularly in Changhua City, the county's largest administrative district, and Yuanlin City, the second-largest. While the DPP has seen increased vote share in Changhua City in recent elections, Yuanlin City has historically been a stronghold for the KMT, and the DPP has never held the mayoralty there. The nomination of Chang Ming-yue, a village chief, for Yuanlin City mayor represents a new effort to break this long-standing KMT dominance.