Taiwan's new DPP leadership lineup takes shape

A new roster of emerging Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leaders is preparing to shape Taiwan’s political future and the party’s direction.

The DPP party, which has held power in Taiwan since 2016, is now entering its second consecutive decade of governance. With the 2024 inauguration of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), who is constitutionally eligible for re-election in 2028, a second term appears likely barring major political shifts.

As Taiwan’s ruling and most influential party, the DPP’s decisions carry significant weight. One closely watched trend is the rise of its next-generation leadership—figures whose ascent will help define the island’s political future.

TCN has taken a closer look at the profiles and political trajectories of those who could shape the next chapter of the DPP’s leadership.

Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴)

Hsiao Bi-khim, now vice president of Taiwan, is widely seen as the leading contender to succeed President Lai Ching-te. Her close alignment with Lai and strong international credentials make her a natural heir to the DPP’s top leadership.

Born in Japan to a Taiwanese father and Euro-American mother, Hsiao was educated in the US, earning a master’s in political science from Columbia University. Her native-level English and global experience set her apart in Taiwan’s political landscape.

She joined the DPP when the party lacked internationally experienced talent and quickly became a key figure in its global outreach. In 2000, she was appointed as an advisor in the Presidential Office and later elected to Taiwan's legislature, the Legislative Yuan, in 2001.


After completing her legislative term in 2005, Hsiao Bi-khim faced challenges securing a nomination in a competitive district and encountered pushback from hardline DPP factions. She stepped away from frontline politics but returned in 2010 as the party’s surprise candidate in Hualien, a KMT stronghold—losing the race but staying to build local support.

Hsiao re-entered the legislature via the DPP party list in 2012 and strengthened her grassroots ties in Hualien. She made headlines as the first lawmaker to question government officials in English, showcasing her international professionalism.

In 2015, she won the Hualien seat and served until 2020, when she lost re-election. That loss didn’t stall her career—President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) tapped her as Taiwan’s representative to the US, making her the first woman in the role.

While in Washington, Hsiao was instrumental in deepening Taiwan-US relations. ties during a tense period. China responded harshly—sanctioning her after Speaker Pelosi’s 2022 Taiwan visit and labeling her a “stubborn Taiwan independence separatist.”

Beijing’s pressure only bolstered Hsiao’s image at home. She was praised for her composure and resilience, earning the nickname “Cat Warrior” for her steady leadership under fire.

Since becoming vice president in 2024, Hsiao has kept a low profile, focusing on her official duties. Yet her legacy as a legislator and diplomat continues to resonate, making her one of the DPP’s most respected figures.

Though seen as the frontrunner to succeed President Lai, her future will depend on whether she can grow her domestic appeal and prove her leadership credentials beyond diplomacy. The next few years will test her ability to step fully into the national spotlight.

Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁)

As the current mayor of Kaohsiung, Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) stands out in the DPP’s next-generation leadership for his strong local base and broad national recognition. His long political career and loyal support network give him a stable platform within the party.

Born into a political family, Chen’s father was a KMT legislator who later joined the DPP due to ideological shifts. Chen himself became politically active in high school, reading underground liberal publications during Taiwan’s authoritarian years.

Chen earned a medical degree from Chung Shan Medical University and a master’s in preventive medicine from National Taiwan University. While studying, he joined student movements and later entered politics with help from his father’s connections.

In 1995, at just 30, Chen was recruited by the DPP to run for the Legislative Yuan and won, becoming one of Taiwan’s youngest male lawmakers. He joined the Justice Alliance faction and became a close ally of then-Taipei Mayor Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), later following him into the presidential office as part of his inner circle.



From 1996 to 2004, Chen Chi-mai served three consecutive terms in the Legislative Yuan, gaining a reputation for sharp questioning during committee hearings. His performance earned public praise and positioned him as a rising star in the DPP.

After Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) won re-election in 2004, Chen was appointed Minister without Portfolio and government spokesperson, later briefly serving as Acting Mayor of Kaohsiung. In 2007, he became Deputy Secretary-General to the President in the final year of the Chen administration.

Following the DPP’s 2008 electoral defeat, Chen became a strategist for Tsai Ing-wen’s 2012 campaign and helped shape what would become the influential “Ing” faction. His alignment with Tsai brought him into the party’s inner leadership circle.

Between 2012 and 2018, he returned to the legislature as an at-large member and emerged as a leading contender for Kaohsiung mayor. Though he lost the 2018 race to Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) during the “Han wave,” he stayed politically active.

In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Premier, and after Han’s 2020 recall, Chen won the Kaohsiung mayoral by-election. He secured a full term in 2022 and is expected to serve through 2026.

Chen’s 2018 campaign was a turning point in his image, shifting from a combative legislator to a more relatable “warm-hearted gentleman.” The rebrand resonated with voters and remains central to his political identity.

As mayor, Chen has received strong public approval. A 2025 Global Views Monthly poll gave him a 73% satisfaction rating—highest among Taiwan’s six special municipality leaders.

A 2024 TVBS poll showed 42% of Kaohsiung residents supported him as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, highlighting his strong grassroots support.

Among the DPP’s emerging leaders, Chen stands out for his extensive experience across legislative, executive, and local government roles. His deep roots in southern Taiwan and successful image reinvention make him a top contender for national leadership.

While he lacks the international ties of Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, his domestic strength and broad appeal may give him an edge in a presidential race. As his mayoral term winds down in 2026, his next move will be closely watched across Taiwan’s political landscape.

Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君)

Currently serving as Vice Premier of the Executive Yuan, Cheng Li-chun is known as one of the DPP’s leading intellectuals and a bridge between Taiwan’s political, cultural, and arts communities.

Cheng holds a philosophy degree from National Taiwan University and earned a master’s in political, economic, and social philosophy from Paris Nanterre University. She also qualified as a doctoral candidate during her time in France.

Her political career began in the think tank world. From 2001 to 2004, she was Office Director at Taiwan Thinktank and later served as Chairperson of the National Youth Commission under President Chen Shui-bian. After the DPP lost power in 2008, she returned to think tank leadership, including heading the Foundation for Future Generations.

Cheng joined Tsai Ing-wen’s 2012 campaign as a policy advisor and spokesperson, then served two terms as an at-large legislator from 2012 to 2016. She was appointed Minister of Culture in 2016 when Tsai became president.

As culture minister, Cheng boosted the ministry’s budget, launched the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), and rolled out initiatives to strengthen Taiwan’s cultural sector. She also pushed for transitional justice by initiating reforms at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall—one of Taiwan’s most politically sensitive heritage sites.



Following the DPP’s losses in the 2018 local elections, Premier Lai Ching-te (賴清德) resigned to take political responsibility. Although Cheng Li-chun also offered to step down as Minister of Culture, she was initially asked to stay but ultimately left the cabinet in 2020, returning to her work at the Green Citizens’ Foundation.

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, Cheng was floated as a possible vice-presidential pick for Lai, raising her national profile. She is widely viewed as part of the Lai faction, with both sharing similar views on cross-Strait relations and Taiwanese identity.

Cheng has described herself as “the leftist within the DPP,” citing Karl Marx as her favorite philosopher and "The Communist Manifesto", Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels as her favorite book. Her progressive stance has earned her a following among younger voters drawn to social justice and cultural reform.

After Lai’s election in 2024, Cheng was considered for the premiership but was ultimately named Vice Premier. In April 2025, she was tapped to lead Taiwan’s negotiation team in Washington following the imposition of new US tariffs.

Her role in the high-stakes talks with the US placed her at the center of one of Taiwan’s most critical economic issues. While results have so far been mixed, her performance may heavily influence her political future.

Cheng’s strengths lie in her intellectual credibility and deep policy experience, especially in youth, culture, and international affairs. However, she lacks strong grassroots support and has limited electoral experience.

The upcoming 2026 local elections are seen as a potential turning point. Speculation is growing that she may run for Mayor of Taipei or another major city—an opportunity that could help build her popular base and test her readiness for higher office.

Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍)

Lin Chia-lung, currently serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs, is one of the most academically distinguished figures in the DPP, holding a Ph.D. in political science from Yale University. Known for his intellectual approach, Lin is seen as part of the party’s policy-driven leadership circle.

He gained national prominence under President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), first as a National Security Council advisor focusing on cross-Strait and trilateral US-Japan-Taiwan relations. He later served as Executive Yuan spokesperson and was appointed Director-General of the Government Information Office in 2003.

In 2005, Lin ran for Mayor of Taichung and narrowly lost, but chose to remain in the city to grow his political base. Despite being the expected DPP candidate in 2010 after Taichung became a special municipality, internal party strategy favored Su Jia-chyuan (蘇嘉全), who ultimately lost the race.



Lin’s persistence paid off in 2014 when he won the Taichung mayoralty after years of groundwork, but he lost his 2018 reelection bid to Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕).

He later served as Minister of Transportation and Communications, where his tenure was generally seen as competent but was overshadowed by the 2021 Taroko Express train disaster that killed 49 people. Lin resigned to take political responsibility.

After a brief hiatus, Lin returned as Ambassador-at-Large in 2022 and was appointed Secretary-General to the President in early 2023. He considered mayoral runs in Taipei and New Taipei but did not pursue them. Following Lai Ching-te’s 2024 election, Lin was named Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Lin leads the DPP’s minority faction, the “Taiwan Normal Country Promotion Association.” While he remains a potential presidential contender, he faces challenges related to party unity, public perception, and timing.

Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲)

Huang Wei-che, serving his second term as Mayor of Tainan, is one of just two DPP leaders currently governing a special municipality. He holds master’s degrees in Public Health from Yale University and Public Administration from Harvard University, credentials that contribute to his calm and professional public image.



Huang’s political career started at the grassroots level, serving as a legislative assistant, Delegate to the National Assembly (1996–2000), and Tainan County Councilor (2002–2005). He was elected to the Legislative Yuan in 2005 and served until 2018, gaining praise for his pragmatic, policy-driven approach.

In 2018, Huang won a competitive race for Tainan mayor and was re-elected in 2022. As Tainan is a DPP stronghold, his leadership is politically significant. He enjoys strong grassroots support and is seen as a steady administrator, though his recent typhoon response drew some criticism.

Huang will complete his second mayoral term in 2026. His next move—whether into the cabinet or another key role—could influence the DPP’s future leadership.

Pan Men-an (潘孟安)

Pan Men-an, currently Secretary-General of the President, is known as one of President Lai Ching-te’s closest allies, having stood firmly by Lai during the 2019 DPP presidential nomination battle.

Hailing from a fishing village in Pingtung, Pan’s humble background includes work as a gas delivery man, onion farmer, and cross-border trader before entering politics. His career began at the grassroots level as a village representative, then county councilor, before winning a Legislative Yuan seat in 2008. In 2014, he was elected Pingtung County Magistrate and was re-elected, serving until 2022.



In 2023, Pan served as campaign director for Lai Ching-te’s successful presidential bid, expertly managing factional coordination and securing a national victory. After the election, he was appointed Secretary-General of the President, underscoring his political influence and close ties to executive power.

Though lacking the academic credentials or international profile of some peers, Pan’s interpersonal skills, organizational talent, and loyalty to Lai make him a central figure in the DPP leadership. His choice to run for a major local office in 2026—potentially a special municipality mayoralty—will reveal his ambitions and role in the party’s future succession.