2008 Democratic Progressive Party chairmanship election


The 2008 Democratic Progressive Party chairmanship election took place on May 18, 2008. The election date was announced by chairperson Frank Hsieh after losing the presidential election.

Candidates

Three members expressed their desire to run for the position:

Chai Trong-rong

Chai Trong-rong, first president of the World United Formosans for Independence and former legislator, announced his candidacy on April 14, 2008. He withdrew from the election on May 12 and endorsed candidate Koo Kwang-ming.
NameFormer factionPolitical officeReferences
Hsu Tain-tsairJustice AllianceMayor of Tainan

Koo Kwang-ming

During Koo Kwang-ming's campaign, he made controversial remarks towards Tsai Ing-wen about the suitability of an unmarried woman leading. He then apologized to all women in Taiwan for those statements.
NameFormer factionPolitical officeReferences
Chai Trong-rongWelfare State AllianceMember of the Legislative Yuan
Chen Shih-mengSecretary-General of the Presidential Office
Shieh Jhy-weyN/AMinister of the Government Information Office

Tsai Ing-wen

Tsai Ing-wen, former vice premier and former chairperson of the Mainland Affairs Council, won support from many local executives and decided to launch her campaign. She earned endorsements from Chiayi County magistrate Chen Ming-wen, Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chu, Tainan County magistrate Su Huan-chih, and Yunlin County magistrate Su Chih-fen.
NameFormer factionPolitical officeReferences
Chen ChuNew TideMayor of Kaohsiung
Chen Ming-wenJustice AllianceMagistrate of Chiayi CountyN/A
Su Huan-chihJustice AllianceMagistrate of Tainan County