Former councilor quits ruling party to run for mayor in Changhua

Changhua's mayoral election has been shaken by a significant development: former county councilor Huang Yu-fen, locally known as the 'Queen Bee,' has officially left the Kuomintang party. Her family confirmed on August 28 that she has submitted her withdrawal from the party and is actively evaluating an independent candidacy for the mayoral race.

Huang's move introduces a strong element of uncertainty into the election, which was poised to be a direct contest between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT). Her potential independent bid transforms the landscape into a "three-way battle," injecting considerable dynamism into the political arena.

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Everyone has the right to run for office, and I respect that.

The DPP candidate, Huang Po-yu, stated that regardless of the number of contenders, he will continue to engage with the grassroots and strive for victory. The KMT candidate, Chen Wen-pin, expressed respect for everyone's right to run for office. Huang Yu-fen, recognized for her past success in bee-catching and her previous mayoral campaigns, has a dedicated following and a proven track record in local politics.

In the 2018 Changhua mayoral election, Huang secured 37,006 votes, finishing third. In 2022, she garnered 39,755 votes, the second-highest tally, as the KMT candidate. Her father, Huang Chuan-hao, believes her vote count has steadily increased, estimating her current potential at 40,000 votes. This perceived strength has prompted the decision to leave the KMT and pursue an independent path.

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Regardless of how many people ultimately run, I will continue to engage deeply with the grassroots and ensure more people get to know me. I will work step by step to strive for the final victory.