Cheng Chao-fang, the DPP nominee and Zhubei mayor, holds the leading position in the Hsinchu County magistrate race ahead of the November 28 vote, with traders assigning roughly 70 percent implied probability. His selection followed months of internal party discussions, and recent polling shows mixed but competitive results against KMT nominee Hsu Hsin-ying, including one survey giving Cheng a narrow edge and another favoring Hsu by about seven points. Cheng’s emphasis on governance and cross-party outreach has helped consolidate support in key areas like Zhubei, while Hsu focuses on local development and unity after securing her party’s nomination through a primary. Minor candidates including independents register minimal trader interest, consistent with historical patterns where the two major parties dominate county executive contests. The outcome hinges on turnout in battleground districts and any late shifts in undecided voters.