Hsiao Bi-khim rallies 5,000 supporters at Su Chiao-hui's campaign headquarters opening

DPP Legislator Su Chiao-hui held the inaugural meeting of the South Xinzhuang Joint Campaign Headquarters in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City. The event demonstrated significant mobilization power, drawing over 5,000 supporters who packed the venue to capacity. Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin, a heavyweight in the party, attended to rally support for Su. In her speech, Hsiao publicly commended Su’s outstanding execution and exceptional communication and coordination skills demonstrated in her legislative and local service. She emphasized that these qualities are essential for New Taipei City’s ongoing development and administrative transformation, asserting that Su is the best candidate to lead the city forward. Her remarks served as a morale boost for the supporters present.

The establishment of the South Xinzhuang Joint Campaign Headquarters reflects deep political strategic considerations and local development trends. Xinzhuang District has long been a critical battleground in New Taipei City, characterized by rapid population growth and dynamic shifts in the political landscape. With the expansion of the Airport Metro line, the development of the Xinzhuang Sub-City, and the recent surge in growth in the South Xinzhuang area, demographic structures and voter needs have undergone significant changes. The South Xinzhuang area, which includes the Danfeng, Huilong, and Houcuo villages, has long had strong public demands for transportation infrastructure, metro extensions, and public facilities. Su has long cultivated a presence in Shulin, Yingge, and parts of Xinzhuang in New Taipei City. Through the launch of this joint headquarters, she aims not only to consolidate grassroots forces in South Xinzhuang but also to demonstrate her familiarity with and ambition for local development.

Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin’s attendance provided the highest level of central endorsement for the campaign event. Known in the political arena for her steady, pragmatic, and internationally minded image, Hsiao specifically highlighted Su’s past performance in Legislative Yuan committees. Whether in bill review, budget scrutiny, or securing funding from central ministries for local projects, Su has demonstrated high efficiency and communication skills. This appeal of a seamless link between central and local governments is a key advantage frequently emphasized by the DPP in local elections. Hsiao pointed out that a good local leader must not merely shout slogans but must possess the execution capability to turn policies into concrete actions. Su’s years of experience as a legislator serve as the best proof of such capability.

From the perspective of the overall electoral strategy, the DPP’s layout in New Taipei City has always attracted significant attention. As the most populous direct-controlled municipality in the country, New Taipei City’s voting trends often influence the national political climate. The KMT has governed New Taipei City for many years, accumulating substantial grassroots strength and administrative resources. For the DPP to break the status quo in this election, it must field candidates with immediate combat readiness and innovative vision. As a representative of the party’s middle generation, Su combines an academic background with solid grassroots service experience. Her father, Su Tzeng-chang, who previously served as Taipei County Magistrate and Premier, left behind a political legacy and local network that provide her with a solid foundation. However, transcending traditional factional frameworks to attract the support of moderate voters and younger generations remains a challenge Su must continuously overcome during this campaign.

The enthusiastic turnout of over 5,000 people on the day of the South Xinzhuang Joint Campaign Headquarters’ inauguration indicates grassroots expectations for political alternation or a new political atmosphere. In addition to Hsiao’s endorsement, the event was attended by many local legislators, village heads, and party officials, demonstrating a united front. For Su, the launch of the campaign headquarters is not merely the opening of an office but a crucial platform for consolidating support and declaring policy visions. As the pace of the election accelerates, confrontations among various camps in New Taipei City are bound to intensify. Whether Su’s team can leverage the momentum from this successful rally in South Xinzhuang to further expand its political footprint and present concrete policy benefits to voters will test the wisdom and adaptability of the candidate and her team, and will serve as a key indicator of the future trajectory of the New Taipei City mayoral race.

(Source: CNA)