TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川) is expected to run for New Taipei mayor in 2026, though he may delay his announcement to better time his entry into the race.

Among potential KMT contenders, Lee has emerged as the frontrunner, according to a 2024 TVBS poll, outperforming DPP Legislator Su Chiao-hui (蘇巧慧) and TPP Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌). A party insider told Tai Sounds that Lee may be holding off on a formal announcement while positioning himself strategically.

Lee is known for his close relationships with influential KMT figures, including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕). With Nvidia recently selecting the Beitou Shilin Technology Park for its overseas headquarters, Lee could potentially collaborate with Chiang on tech policy if elected.

Lu, a likely candidate for KMT chair and possibly the 2028 presidential nominee, enjoys Lee’s support, another sign of Lee’s alignment with powerful factions within the party.

A New Taipei source noted that Lee’s experience as a former New Taipei City deputy mayor and KMT secretary-general gives him a strong understanding of city governance and party affairs. However, the timing of his candidacy announcement may be influenced by the upcoming recall elections in July and August, the leadership contest between Lu and KMT Chair Eric Chu (朱立倫), and the scheduled city council session in late 2026.

Within the KMT, Lee’s main rivals are current New Taipei Deputy Mayor Liu Ho-jan (劉和然) and Legislator Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷), per Up Media. Political commentator Wu Zi-jia (吳子嘉) also mentioned former DPP lawmaker Kuo Cheng-liang (郭正亮) as a potential contender, though Lee topped Wu’s poll, with Kuo second, per China Times.

Hung previously stated he would accept the nomination if he led in the polls. Liu reportedly announced his candidacy in March, but analysts suggest his limited appeal beyond the KMT’s core 30% voter base could hinder his chances, per CMMedia. In contrast, Lee enjoys a 40% favorability rating and is seen as the only candidate capable of attracting support from non-aligned voters.

Lee’s prior service under then-Mayor Chu in New Taipei reinforces his standing as Chu’s preferred choice. He also enjoys strong ties with Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), having served as his deputy in Kaohsiung, where he oversaw the launch of the city’s light rail system.

Although current New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) may not be personally close to Lee, local sources told CMMedia that Hou would support the KMT candidate best positioned to win.