DPP's Zhubei Mayoral Candidate Hinted at by Incumbent Mayor Cheng Chao-fang

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is nearing a decision on its candidate for Zhubei mayor, with incumbent Mayor Cheng Chao-fang providing a significant hint. Cheng posted a photo on social media featuring himself alongside Zeng Sheng-kai, deputy director of the Cross-Strait Design Science Research Center at Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, and Lin Jing-liang, general manager of Zhiyu Biomedical Company. Cheng praised both individuals as "excellent talents" and expressed confidence that they would "continue our good work." This post is widely interpreted as the first public reveal of the DPP's potential Zhubei mayoral candidates. Cheng's caption detailed a past community meeting three years prior where he discussed improving the city with Zeng and Lin, noting their continued progress in their respective fields. He specifically described Zeng as a "humble teacher" from Chiao Tung University and a parent-teacher association president, while Lin is a "dominant" general manager whose twin daughters recently gained admission to the prestigious Hsinchu Girls' Senior High School. The upcoming 2026 Zhubei mayoral election is drawing national attention, particularly as the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) are actively competing for their respective nominations. The DPP's New竹 County chapter chairman, Su Jen-chien, had previously stated that the potential candidates would be a choice between two individuals, with a decision expected by Friday for discussion at the party's central standing committee meeting. If approved, the official announcement could come as early as next Wednesday, August 19. Reports suggest that Lin Jing-liang is the businessman referred to in earlier rumors and is the "senior schoolmate" mentioned by Cheng. Lin has been involved in developing smart healthcare mattress systems and collaborated on health supplements and care foods, aiming to use technology to slow aging and improve care quality. Zeng Sheng-kai, an assistant professor at Yang Ming Chiao Tung University's College of Management, has focused on urban planning, education, and social housing. He previously ran for the Legislative Yuan representing the second electoral district of Hsinchu County for the DPP but was unsuccessful, though he remains active in local public affairs.

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Both are excellent talents, and I believe Teacher Sheng-kai and Senior Schoolmate Jing-liang will definitely continue our good work.