TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — KMT chair candidate Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) on Friday vowed to win back either Tainan or Kaohsiung in the local elections next year if elected as party head.

At a campaign rally in Taipei, the former Taipei mayor said he would lead the party with determination and courage — and resign if he failed, per CNA. The event drew strong backing from New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-yih (侯友宜), Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴), and former Broadcasting Corporation of China Chair Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康), per Liberty Times.

Though Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) stayed neutral, her allies, including former Taichung Mayor Hu Chih-chiang (胡志強), showed up in support. Hu said Hau’s decision to run stemmed from concern for the KMT, Taiwan, and cross-strait peace.

Hu urged party members to back Hau, saying a defeat would be a loss for both the KMT and the country. Huang said grassroots voters want a capable and unifying leader, and that Hau could restore trust in the party.

Hau admitted it was the toughest campaign of his career, entering only after Lu declined to run. He said the KMT faces a monthly deficit of about NT$15 million (US$490,000) and that he joined the race after supporters pledged to help stabilize party finances.

He said the chair’s job is to unite and coordinate, not to seek personal gain. If elected, Hau said he would work with the TPP to field a joint presidential ticket in 2028.

The KMT will hold its party chair elections on Saturday with Hau Lung-bin, Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文), Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強), Chang Ya-chung (張亞中), Cho Po-yuan (卓伯源), and Tsai Chih-hung (蔡志弘) vying for leadership.