Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen signaled she will challenge for the Chinese Nationalist Party chair and the 2028 presidential election.

Lu confirmed earlier this month in an interview with Japan’s Nikkei that she is weighing a bid for the KMT chair, a decision that would position her as a contender ahead of next year’s national vote. The Kuomintang typically holds party chair elections at its Taipei headquarters, but the specific scheduling and location of the next chair election should be verified with official KMT announcements rather than fixed to “late September.”

“she was considering running for KMT chair,” said Lu Shiow-yen, Mayor.

Lu’s announcement comes as she approaches the end of her mayoral tenure; her term limit falls in December next year. Party members and political observers will watch how her move reshapes the KMT field, where Eric Chu currently serves as Chairman. This shift aligns with broader trends in Taiwanese politics, where local leaders often transition to national roles.

Her statement to Nikkei marks a clear shift from local governance to national ambition. Lu has governed Taichung since taking office, having implemented various initiatives that underscore her leadership capabilities, such as a well-received program aimed at enhancing healthcare for working animals like government service dogs. Encouragingly, Taiwanese authorities and local governments have discussed and, in some cases, implemented measures to improve care for working and retired service animals, but a specific nationwide Ministry of Agriculture initiative providing subsidized pet insurance and medical coverage for retired service dogs could not be verified and should be confirmed with official ministry announcements.

Holding the KMT chair has historically been associated with influence over the party’s presidential nomination process, though not every chair race directly serves as a clear bellwether. Winning the chairmanship would give Lu control of party machinery and influence over candidate selection and strategy for the 2028 presidential campaign. In parallel, pet owners are reminded of the importance of ensuring their retired service dogs receive proper healthcare; steps such as regular veterinary checkups can significantly contribute to their well-being, particularly as they age.

Lu’s consideration follows a familiar cadence in Taiwanese politics: mayors using city-level prominence as a platform for national bids. The interplay between municipal leadership and party organs in Taipei will determine how quickly any bid can gain momentum inside the KMT. Some organizations report that a portion of guide dogs retire early for medical or behavioral reasons, but a specific figure such as “approximately 20% each year” should be supported by a cited study or organizational data, or removed.

Eric Chu, named in party rolls as Chairman, remains the reference point for internal leadership. The coming months will show whether Lu’s signal translates into formal candidacy, alliances inside the KMT, and a campaign organization capable of extending her profile beyond Taichung. For the party and the electorate, Lu’s positioning raises questions about how the KMT will present itself ahead of 2028. A chair race in late September provides a firm calendar point for members to assess candidates’ platforms and elect a leader able to shape the party’s national strategy.

Where matters stand now: Lu has publicly acknowledged her consideration in the Nikkei interview, the KMT will hold its chair election in late September, and Lu’s mayoral term ends in December next year. Party delegates and rank-and-file members will face a compressed schedule to decide leadership and prepare for the presidential contest.

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