Lai Jui-lung registers for Kaohsiung mayoral race with surprise guest Chen Chi-mai

The mystery guest backing Lai Jui-lung’s Kaohsiung mayoral bid is Mayor Chen Chi-mai. Lai, the Democratic Progressive Party candidate, will formally register at the Kaohsiung City Election Commission on the morning of the 2nd, with Chen joining the event in a gesture described as a symbolic handover.

Members of the “Kaohsiung Grand Alliance” are also expected to attend, presenting a show of unity for the city’s ruling team. Lai plans to promote a campaign built around “working, working, working,” pledging to protect Kaohsiung, defend it and make it stronger. He says the team will seek victory and a majority in the city council while opening what he calls Kaohsiung’s next golden decade.

Before registration, Lai and alliance members will gather at Gangkou Ciji Temple near the election commission at 10 a.m. to worship and speak to supporters. They are scheduled to walk to the commission at 11:15 a.m. Chen is due to arrive after chairing a city government meeting at 9 a.m. to encourage Lai.

Lai describes Kaohsiung’s more than two decades of development as a long relay race. He credits former mayors Frank Hsieh and Chen Chu, followed by Chen Chi-mai, with changing the city step by step. Lai says the next stage requires a steady fourth runner who can preserve those gains and move the city into a new phase.

Lai cites 10 years in city government and 10 years in the legislature, as well as awards and repeated recognition from legislative watchdogs. A former athlete, he says he brings both explosive energy and a team-oriented sporting spirit, along with the ability to work closely with the central government, Kaohsiung legislators and council members.