The New Taipei City mayoral race has heated up early, with both the blue and green camps scrambling for popular support. For both candidates, it is a pivotal battle.

• Incumbent Mayor Hou Yu-ih has publicly declared that Lee Si-chuan is his successor, and the two visited temples in Sanchong and Luzhou together to drum up votes.
• Sanchong and Luzhou have long been regarded as a green-camp stronghold, and this time the KMT is taking the campaign directly into its opponent's territory.
• Lee Si-chuan is campaigning on local infrastructure, pledging to build the Lu-She Bridge and a hospital if elected, and stressing his long familiarity with New Taipei affairs.
• DPP candidate Su Chiao-hui set up a Hakka support group, with the venue packed with supporters and cheering throughout.
• Su Chiao-hui will open her campaign headquarters on September 5, with Lai Ching-te, Tsai Ing-wen and Chen Chi-mai all appearing in support.

Outlook: With nearly three months to go before the November 28 vote, vote-mobilization drives and large-scale rallies from both sides will only grow more intense.