TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Legislator Wang Shih-chien (王世堅) suggested on Wednesday that the party could nominate a candidate from outside its ranks for the next Taipei mayoral election.

Wang echoed former Legislator Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康), who disclosed that the DPP may seek an outside candidate, citing the party's past support for former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), per Liberty Times. Wang said the DPP’s electoral ceiling in Taipei is roughly 40%, making it difficult to win without forming broader coalitions.

When asked whether he would seek the DPP’s nomination, Wang said the party “has plenty of talent to show for”, per ETtoday. However, Taipei DPP Chair Chang Mao-nan (張茂楠) said Wang remains the party’s strongest potential contender at this stage, per Liberty Times.

Chang compared Legislator Wu Szu-yao (吳思瑤), Taiwan Forward founder Enoch Wu (吳怡農), and Wang, saying Wang’s public image gives him an edge over his peers. Currently, Enoch Wu is the only candidate to have formally announced his bid for the DPP nomination.

Enoch Wu said that although he had not previously won elected office, Ko also lacked political experience before becoming mayor. He argued that his background outside formal politics would be his greatest strength, per CNA.

Other figures reportedly under consideration for the DPP ticket include former DPP Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang (林右昌), Taipei City Councilor Miao Po-ya (苗博雅), Mainland Affairs Council Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑), and Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng (季連成), per Newtalk.

Taipei City Councilor Hung Chien-yi (洪健益) said Chi has the popularity and ability to mount a competitive campaign but emphasized that the final decision rests with Chi and the DPP leadership.

Meanwhile, a member of the DPP election strategy committee said during a Wednesday meeting that the party should consider nominating heavyweight candidates for both Taipei and Taoyuan, arguing that the selections could impact the overall momentum of the 2026 local elections, per Tai Sounds.