Key facts
- Puma Shen is challenging incumbent KMT Mayor Chiang Wan-an for the Taipei mayor seat.
- Polls indicate a close race, with some showing Shen within a few points of Chiang.
- The Taipei mayoral post has historically been a stepping stone to the presidency.
- Shen's campaign has focused on anti-incumbent sentiment and detailed policy proposals.
- The DPP's candidate lost the Taipei mayoral race by over 10 percentage points in 2022.
The Taipei mayoral race has become a closely watched contest, with first-term legislator Puma Shen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) challenging incumbent KMT Mayor Chiang Wan-an. Traditionally a stronghold for the Kuomintang (KMT), Taipei has seen polling indicate an unexpectedly competitive race, with some surveys showing Shen within a few percentage points of Chiang. Shen's campaign has focused on anti-incumbent sentiment and detailed policy proposals, contrasting with Chiang's perceived reliance on aides. The DPP's previous performances in Taipei have been poor, with their candidate losing by over 10 percentage points in 2022. The mayoral post is often seen as a stepping stone to the presidency, with past presidents Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou having previously served as Taipei mayor. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te publicly supported Shen on October 4, 2026.