Su Qiaohui Rejects Spouse Strategy, Emphasizing Strength for New Taipei Politics

On Taiwan’s electoral stage, the “spouse card” has become a common tactic for candidates to appeal to voters’ emotions. Figures such as Li Sichuan, Chiang Wan-an, and Shen Bo-yang have all leveraged the image of their spouses as a plus point during their campaigns, invoking traditional family values and a stable image to resonate with middle-aged and older voters. This strategy is not merely an image-building exercise but a response to voters’ emotional needs, indicating that Taiwanese voters still value the political context of “family” and “stability.”

Su Chiao-hui is one of the main contenders in a New Taipei City council district. As a political figure who has long been involved in local governance, she has won voter favor in past elections through pragmatic administration and an approachable style. Her husband is a well-known local entrepreneur who holds a certain level of influence in the business sector but has not ventured into politics. In the early stages of the election, Su has repeatedly expressed her views on balancing family and work, emphasizing that personal competence and policy platforms are the key to winning votes.

In an interview with the media today, when asked whether she would invite her husband to join her in street canvassing, Su stated, “My husband has always been my best support. I wish to respect his wishes.” Her response reflects a respect for her spouse’s privacy and personal preferences, avoiding the treatment of him as a mere political asset. This move, to some extent, addresses criticisms from some voters that the “spouse card” has become overly commercialized and lacks authenticity, while also highlighting the boundaries she maintains between her personal and public domains.

However, Su’s decision may also have a dual effect. On the positive side, her stance of respecting her spouse’s wishes can help shape her image as a candidate who values family and embodies a modern female persona, attracting voters who prioritize gender equality and individual respect. On the negative side, the absence of the “spouse card” bonus might cause her to lose the emotional resonance of “family stability” among some traditional voters, particularly in certain New Taipei City districts where family values remain a core concern. If Su can demonstrate her leadership capabilities through policy explanations and actual governance, she may be able to compensate for this shortcoming.

In a broader political context, Su Chiao-hui’s position reflects a shift in Taiwan’s electoral style. Over the past decade, voter acceptance of the “spouse card” has become divided: younger voters and female voters are increasingly inclined to focus on a candidate’s policies and capabilities rather than their spouse’s image. If this trend continues, the frequency of using the “spouse card” in future elections may decline, with political figures placing greater emphasis on their own political brands and actual performance. Su’s approach may serve as a model for this new direction, prompting other candidates to reconsider the necessity and timing of spousal participation.

In summary, when faced with media inquiries about bringing her husband into the election race, Su Chiao-hui chose to prioritize respect for individual wishes. This is not only a considerate approach to family relationships but also a response to the diverse values of voters. While her decision may alter election strategies in the short term, in the long run, persuading voters with substantive policies and governance achievements will help shape a more competitive and modern political image. (Source: Central News Agency)