DPP lawmaker to seek New Taipei support after selection for mayor

Taipei, Nov. 6 (CNA) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Su Chiao-hui (蘇巧慧) said Thursday she will seek to win the support of New Taipei residents after being selected by the party's nominations panel as its mayoral candidate for the city.

Speaking to reporters at the Legislative Yuan, the 49-year-old Su said several contenders are vying for the chance to serve New Taipei residents, and she will campaign with a positive and proactive attitude to win their support.

Su added that from the very start of her bid for the nomination, she has emphasized strengthening Taiwan's democracy and advancing New Taipei's development -- goals she said she will continue to pursue.

When asked whether Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川), who has strong support within the Kuomintang (KMT), would be her strongest opponent, Su said there are many potential candidates seeking the chance to serve New Taipei, each with different strengths.

The lawmaker said her ideas for the city are the most up-to-date and her ability to get things done the strongest.

When asked about the recent public dissatisfaction with the city's annual Christmasland event, which runs this year from Nov. 14 to Dec. 28, Su said residents of Banqiao District are concerned about heavy traffic congestion during the period.

If elected, Su said her administration could bring about a fresh approach, with new ideas and execution.

She added that she intends to rethink the event with more innovative and energetic concepts -- taking into account local economic benefits, transportation and the event's overall purpose -- to create a celebration that resonates with New Taipei residents and appeals to visitors alike.

Su is the daughter of former Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), who served as magistrate of Taipei County (the forerunner to New Taipei) from 1997-2004. His daughter has represented a New Taipei-based district in the Legislature since 2016.

However, her selection by the DPP panel as candidate for New Taipei mayor in the 2026 local elections still requires final approval from the party's Central Executive Committee.