Chen Jo-ann backs Kaohsiung mayor bid, boosting KMT

Amid the heated Kaohsiung mayoral race, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Ko Chih-en held a campaign event for the Kaohsiung Women's Support Association today, inviting KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wen to personally attend and show her support. Cheng stated at the event that the blue camp must achieve a "clean sweep, leaving none behind," expressing hope that the KMT can reverse Kaohsiung's long-standing "blue-green confrontation" dynamic in this local election. Her presence not only signaled personal support for Ko's campaign, but also served as a boost to the KMT's overall frontline in Kaohsiung.

Since 2018, Kaohsiung has become a solid stronghold for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), with mayors from the party serving two consecutive terms and achieving notable results in local policy, urban planning, and social welfare. This has left the KMT's electoral prospects in Kaohsiung weak for a prolonged period, requiring Ko to break through traditional blue-green divisions and re-engage the attention of independent and young voters. Cheng's arrival aimed precisely to leverage the power of female voters in Kaohsiung, utilizing the organizational network of the women's support association to expand the voter base. Female voters account for a steadily growing share in Taiwan's local elections and often emerge as a decisive force in determining election outcomes.

Cheng emphasized at the event that for the blue camp to achieve victory in Kaohsiung, it must secure a "clean sweep," meaning every blue camp candidate must go all out without exception. She noted that Ko's policy focus centers on urban renewal, economic revitalization, and social welfare, and called on the public to support the KMT's "new blue" philosophy, which serves not only as a commitment to Kaohsiung's future but also as a model for local governance across Taiwan. Cheng's remarks highlighted the KMT's ongoing strategy adjustments in local elections, shifting from single-city campaigns to a comprehensive, multi-layered electoral layout.

Furthermore, Cheng's campaign efforts also reflected the KMT's organizational reconstruction in Kaohsiung. In recent years, the KMT's caucus structure in Kaohsiung has gradually recovered, rebuilding connections with voters through local party affairs and community organizations. Cheng mentioned at the event that the blue camp will continue to invest resources in local communities and collaborate with local groups to promote the concepts of "community governance" and "co-creating the city," which will not only help enhance voter trust in the blue camp but also form a more solid ballot foundation on the eve of the election.

Finally, Ko stated in a media interview that if the blue camp can achieve victory in Kaohsiung, it will inject new vitality into Taiwan's local governance and provide a referenceable experience for other blue-governed cities. Cheng pointed out that a blue camp victory in Kaohsiung would not merely represent the success of a local election, but would also mark an important step for the KMT in regaining influence within the national political landscape. The joint appeal by the two leaders signals that the blue camp is adopting a "clean sweep" posture as it prepares to challenge the traditional blue-green dynamic in this election and bring about new changes to Taiwan's local politics.