Tsai Jo-tai backs Su Chiao-hui in Banqiao to secure legislative majority

Premier Cho Jung-tai publicly endorsed Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) New Taipei City mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui at a campaign event in Banqiao this evening. Cho praised Su as "professional, deeply connected to the grassroots, and possessed with a macro vision," stating that if the DPP secures a majority in the city council, Su will not have to endure the same hardships he currently faces when governing. This endorsement comes ahead of the upcoming nationwide local elections, where central government backing for local candidates often sends clear political signals to voters. As a core figure in the DPP administration, Premier Cho's focus and intervention in the New Taipei mayoral race also demonstrate the party's high regard for maintaining local political influence and ensuring governance continuity.

Su Chiao-hui served as a legislator from 2018 to 2022, focusing her tenure on "people-centric governance" to promote the New Taipei City Community Care Service Center and smart city initiatives, while achieving concrete results in public infrastructure, social welfare, and environmental protection. Having served as a legislator and frequently proposed bills concerning youth entrepreneurship and low-carbon cities during her time in local politics, she has accumulated extensive administrative and legislative experience. Within the party, Su is regarded as a core figure capable of balancing central and local affairs and possessing cross-departmental coordination skills, making her a frontline candidate in this election.

The New Taipei City Council consists of 150 seats shared among multiple parties, including the DPP, the Kuomintang (KMT), and the Taiwan People's Party (TPP). If the DPP can secure a majority of the seats, it will provide greater convenience for Su Chiao-hui's governance in areas such as legislation, budget review, and policy oversight. Conversely, if the council remains fragmented or minority-led, the mayor would likely have to spend significant time on negotiation and mediation, or even face the risk of policy vetoes. Premier Cho's mention of securing a "council majority" on stage was effectively a call for the party to strengthen the mobilization of party caucus members and persuasion of voters ahead of the election to ensure a political structure in the city council favorable to the administration.

From a broader political perspective, New Taipei City—as Taiwan's most populous and economically largest metropolitan area adjacent to Taipei City—serves as an important benchmark for national political trends. If the DPP can maintain governance here, it will enhance the party's local image in upcoming national elections and facilitate coordinated governance between the central and local governments.