KMT Concedes: Puzi Mayor Wu Pin-jui to Run for Chiayi County Magistrate, Awaiting Family Consensus

Central News Agency, Chiayi County, May 26. The KMT Chiayi County Chapter held a meeting today to discuss the year-end local elections and decided to support independent Puzi Mayor Wu Pin-jui as the candidate for Chiayi County magistrate under an "opposition alliance" strategy, pending approval from the central party. Wu stated that she is still coordinating with her family regarding the run.

The KMT Chiayi County Chapter released a press statement this afternoon. Wu, 40, was elected Puzi Mayor in 2018 and successfully re-elected in 2022. She is known for her fresh image, approachable nature, and long-term promotion of cultural activities and local tourism. She is highly popular in the coastal region and is considered a suitable candidate for magistrate.

In response, Wu said she is still integrating the opinions of her family elders and has been listening to local voices. She noted that she sees both expectations and anxieties among residents regarding Chiayi's future. She expressed gratitude for the KMT's recognition and stated that she would formally report her future plans at an appropriate time.

While the KMT has only now decided to support Wu, the DPP passed its internal primary earlier this year, nominating Legislator Tsai Yi-yu as its candidate for the 2026 Chiayi County magistrate election.