Former Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has agreed to serve as the campaign headquarters chair for Democratic Progressive Party New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chih-hui for the upcoming local elections. Su confirmed the arrangement on August 7, noting that Tsai had readily accepted the invitation and recorded a video endorsement.
Tsai Ing-wen Takes Campaign Headquarters Chair Positions
As the year-end 2026 nine-in-one local elections draw closer, political alignments across Taiwan are taking shape. Former President Tsai Ing-wen is stepping into active campaign roles to assist key candidates. Following her confirmed appointment as the campaign headquarters chair for Democratic Progressive Party Taitung County mayoral candidate Chen Ying, Tsai has now locked in an identical leadership role for New Taipei City Su Chih-hui. Additional reports indicate that Tsai is expected to take on a total of three campaign headquarters chair positions, which also includes Keelung mayoral candidate Tung Tzu-wei, as part of an effort to drive campaign momentum.
Su Chih-hui Confirms Tsai Ing-wen’s Acceptance
Su publicly confirmed the development during a media appearance at the legislature, revealing that the former president agreed without hesitation when approached. Addressing reporters at the Legislative Yuan on the 7th, Su praised Tsai’s leadership, stating that during the global pandemic, President Tsai led the nation in achieving an economic miracle while simultaneously establishing Taiwan as the foremost democracy in Asia, which is why people hold such deep affection for her.
The candidate detailed the personal outreach that secured the high-profile backing. Su noted that she directly petitioned the former leader by saying, "President, President, you previously ran for New Taipei City, and you have lived in New Taipei City for such a long time, with such deep feelings for New Taipei, and having served as our country’s nation’s president, everyone talks with great delight about your achievements as president, so everyone loves you very much. This time, can you please come and serve as my campaign headquarters chair?" According to Su, Tsai accepted the request immediately.
Beyond taking the formal title of campaign headquarters chair, Tsai has already completed promotional materials for the run. She assisted in recording the outro for a promotional video titled "New Era, New Mayor." Supporters can expect to see her make appearances alongside Su at upcoming online and physical campaign events as part of New Taipei City’s campaign to welcome a new era.
Su Chih-hui Emphasizes Support From Civic Life
The campaign strategy relies on gathering support from varied backgrounds rather than relying solely on traditional party lines. Su emphasized that the campaign team is systematically pulling together figures from across civic life who have spent more than a decade walking together, working hard, and sharing numerous accomplishments. She expressed deep gratitude for individuals who have voluntarily stepped forward to offer their backing.
Alongside the former president, the growing support network includes notable figures such as Olympic boxing champion Lin Yu-ting and Wu Chia-hua, brand director of Hsing Wang Chi Chi. Su expressed her appreciation for these individuals who have been partners over the past dozen years, noting that their active expression of support will help inject vitality into New Taipei City so that every industry can deliver a brilliant performance in the city.
Speculation has mounted over whether Tsai’s involvement is intended to break through traditional blue-green political divisions across multiple municipalities. When questioned by reporters regarding how many total chairpersonships or other posts Tsai might hold, Su responded that she did not know the final count, stating plainly, "This is President Tsai’s decision." Su added that as the rhythm of the election progresses, her team will step by step reveal the growing coalition of forces, expressing immense joy that the former president has agreed to guide the campaign team as they welcome a new era together.
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