Cheng Chao-fang holds a narrow lead in trader consensus for the November 28, 2026, Hsinchu County magistrate race, with Hsu Hsin-ying the closest challenger in a de facto two-candidate contest. The DPP nominated Zhubei Mayor Cheng in June after direct recruitment by President Lai Ching-te, while the KMT selected Legislator Hsu in March following a contested primary against Deputy Magistrate Chen Chien-hsien. A late-September poll showed Cheng at 35.1 percent to Hsu’s 28.7 percent, reflecting Cheng’s strength in Zhubei and among higher-educated voters. Hsu maintains broader support across other municipalities and benefits from established KMT infrastructure. The Taiwan People’s Party’s September decision to end local cooperation with the KMT over the Zhubei mayoral race has limited opposition coordination, sustaining the tight dynamics ahead of the vote.