Johnny Chiang holds the strongest position in the Taichung mayoral race ahead of Taiwan’s November 28 local elections, reflecting consistent polling leads over DPP rival Ho Hsin-chun and the KMT’s structural advantages in the city. Recent surveys, including one conducted October 15–16, showed Chiang at 39.8% support versus Ho’s 28.7%, with an even wider gap in expectations of victory. Chiang has emphasized an AI-driven “smart safety network” integrating policing, welfare, and disaster response, while Ho has focused on bus service reforms and commuter-centered transportation upgrades. The race features limited third-party competition, with only minor candidates registered, and centers on policy contrasts between the two major-party nominees as the vote draws near.