# 2026 Kaohsiung mayoral election

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-kaohsiung-mayoral-election
> Updated: 2026-10-08T01:52:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The 2026 Kaohsiung mayoral election remains a highly competitive contest between Kuomintang candidate Ke Chih-en and Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Jui-lung. Early polling indicated a narrow margin, with Ke leading by 0.3 percentage points, though Lai maintained a higher favorability rating.

As the campaign progresses, political activity has intensified through large-scale mobilization efforts. The Kuomintang has organized joint rallies featuring high-profile figures such as Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and former Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-pyng. In response, the Democratic Progressive Party has coordinated counter-rallies to bolster Lai Jui-lung’s campaign.

Recent street polling in the Fengshan District suggests the race remains deadlocked. A survey conducted at the Fengshan Youth Night Market resulted in a near-tie, with Ke receiving 26 votes and Lai receiving 25 votes; however, under specific polling rules, the results were recorded as a tie. Voters cited differing priorities: Lai supporters expressed confidence in the current administration’s handling of the local economy, while Ke supporters signaled a desire for political rotation and improvements to environmental and infrastructure issues.

In discussions regarding city development, councilors have evaluated Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s administration, noting achievements in industrial transformation, healthcare, and the expansion of AI and semiconductor presence via TSMC in the Nanzih Science Park. Addressing criticisms of his political persona, Lai Jui-lung highlighted his decade of service in the Kaohsiung City Government, citing his involvement in the World Games and international tourism. He emphasized a pragmatic approach, stating his intention to focus on seamless transitions for major infrastructure projects and industrial upgrades.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-08: Kaohsiung political leaders review city development and future governance

Kaohsiung officials and councilors are reviewing Mayor Chen Chi-mai's six-year term, highlighting industrial growth and infrastructure, while Lai Jui-long discusses his vision for future urban governance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaohsiung-political-leaders-review-city-development-and-future-governance

### 2026-10-06: Kaohsiung mayoral candidates Ko Chih-en and Lai Jui-lung tie in street poll

Street polling in Kaohsiung's Fengshan District shows a near-tie between mayoral candidates Ko Chih-en and Lai Jui-lung, with voters split between maintaining current performance and seeking political rotation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaohsiung-mayoral-candidates-ko-chih-en-and-lai-jui-lung-tie-in-street-poll

### 2026-09-12: Kaohsiung mayoral race enters tight contest between Ke Chih-en and Lai Jui-lung

The 2026 Kaohsiung mayoral race is extremely tight, with KMT's Ke Chih-en narrowly leading DPP's Lai Jui-lung by 0.3% in recent polling, amid rising political tensions in Taipei and Kaohsiung.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaohsiung-mayoral-candidates-navigate-political-tensions

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Cite as: 2026 Kaohsiung mayoral election. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-kaohsiung-mayoral-election