Lai Rui-long Vows to Be the ''Strongest Mother Hen'' as Poll Shows Lead; Ko Chih-en Remains Confident

Regarding the 2026 Kaohsiung mayoral race, a new poll released today by Shan Shui Opinion Research shows DPP candidate Lai Rui-long leading KMT candidate Ko Chih-en by 16.3 percentage points, with support at 47% and 30.7% respectively. Lai expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized his goal to be the ''strongest mother hen,'' leading his party''s city council candidates to victory and securing a majority in the legislature. Meanwhile, Ko Chih-en stated she respects all polls but pointed out that the same firm underestimated her support significantly four years ago, predicting 17% when she eventually received 40%. She asserted she would maintain her own campaign pace and ensure the DPP does not feel they can win without effort. KMT city councilors dismissed the results as ''internal propaganda,'' urging a focus on real issues like low wages and pollution rather than short-term data.