KMT incumbents hold 14 of 22 county and city executive posts entering the November 28 local elections, providing a structural edge through established local networks, administrative records, and voter familiarity with grassroots issues. Recent September polls show DPP favorability rising to 47.4 percent and President Lai’s trust rating reaching 51.2 percent, yet KMT and TPP ratings have declined, and party leanings favor the DPP nationally; local races historically reward incumbency and organizational strength over national sentiment. KMT-TPP legislative coordination, including rejection of Control Yuan nominees, has not shifted local momentum. A DPP surge would require unusually high turnout in competitive districts or late reversals in key races such as Taipei, where Chiang Wan-an holds a narrow lead.