The Taichung mayoral race on November 28 features an open seat after KMT incumbent Lu Shiow-yen completes her second term, with KMT Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang positioned as the frontrunner in trader pricing due to his national profile, endorsements from Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih, and emphasis on transportation infrastructure, metro expansion, industrial development, and AI-assisted public safety systems. Recent KMT-commissioned surveys show Chiang leading DPP lawmaker Ho Hsin-chun by 9–12 points on support, experience, and projected vote share, though one independent poll released in early November gave Ho a 10.7-point edge amid debates over traffic reforms and demands for change. Ho has highlighted bus network improvements and coordination on expressway congestion, while a minor third-party candidate draws negligible attention. Mixed polling results, the KMT's local incumbency baseline, and scheduled events including a November 17 televised debate continue to shape the market's assessment of Chiang's advantage ahead of the polling blackout.