TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced Sunday she will not run for KMT chair.

On Saturday, current KMT chair Eric Chu (朱立倫) publicly invited Lu to succeed him, reiterating his plan to step down. Lu responded that given current economic and international challenges, she must remain focused on her work as mayor, per CNA.

KMT members had pressed Lu for weeks to declare a candidacy or endorse another contender ahead of Saturday’s recall vote. Despite support from Chu and several party factions, she said she would “stay home” to serve her city and spend time with her family.

Lu thanked Chu for his backing but stressed the party’s next leader should not be handpicked by the outgoing chair. She called for a fair election consistent with the KMT’s democratic principles.

As reasons for abstaining, Lu cited US tariffs and Taiwan’s weakening economy. She pledged to continue standing with the party while focusing on helping Taichung businesses and families weather the downturn, per CNA.