Lai Jui-lung (born 15 November 1973) is a Taiwanese politician from the Democratic Progressive Party, affiliated with its New Tide faction. He has served as a member of the Legislative Yuan since 2016, representing districts in Kaohsiung, and previously held posts in the Kaohsiung City Government, including head of its Ocean Affairs Bureau. In 2026 he ran for mayor of Kaohsiung, winning the party's primary against several fellow legislators.
Early life and career
Lai was born in Changhua County and grew up in Banqiao, Taipei County, after his family moved there for his father's work. He studied political science at Soochow University and later earned a master's degree in cross-strait studies at National Taiwan University. As a student he was active in athletics, competing in several field events. After university he worked as an assistant to legislators and then in the Executive Yuan, before joining the Kaohsiung City Government when Chen Chu became mayor in 2006.
Political rise
Within the Kaohsiung City Government Lai held several posts, including head of the Information Bureau and head of the Ocean Affairs Bureau. He won the Democratic Progressive Party nomination for a Kaohsiung legislative seat in 2015 and was elected, later winning reelection with the highest vote totals in his district. In 2026 he was nominated as the party's candidate for Kaohsiung mayor.
Controversy
In December 2025 a media report alleged that Lai's child had bullied a classmate at school. Lai apologized at a press conference. The school stated that the reports did not fully match the facts but could not give details, citing child protection rules. Later, Lai and the other family issued a joint statement saying the matter would be clarified through school procedures. Lai described the incident as a conflict rather than bullying, while the girl's family said this was Lai's one-sided view.