The race to challenge New York City Mayor Eric Adams is heating up, with five progressive Democrats stepping into the ring for the June primary. After Adams’ moderate win four years ago, left-leaning leaders are determined to avoid a repeat of their past disorganization and secure a victory this time around.

The candidates—Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, Scott Stringer, and Brad Lander—are all hoping to rally the city’s progressive base. With Adams facing a five-count federal indictment and criticism for his recent alignment with former President Trump, the left sees an opportunity to shift City Hall’s priorities.

“Last time, we were too divided,” said a leader from the Working Families Party, a key progressive group. “This time, we’re focused on uniting behind a candidate who will fight for working families, not just the wealthy.”

The city’s ranked-choice voting system adds an extra layer of intrigue. Voters can rank up to five candidates, which could lead to unexpected alliances and strategies. Progressive organizations plan to endorse specific candidates and even encourage voters to leave Adams—and possibly former Governor Andrew Cuomo, if he joins the race—off their ballots entirely.

The stakes are high, especially after Trump’s recent victory in the presidential election. Progressives hope that anger over that outcome will drive voters to the polls, where they’ll choose a candidate ready to stand up to Trump’s policies rather than cozy up to them.

With the primary just months away, the battle for New York City’s future is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races of the year. Will the left finally unite and take City Hall, or will Adams hold onto power? Only time will tell.