MADISON, Wis. — A growing field of challengers is entering Madison’s 2027 mayoral race as Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway seeks a third consecutive four-year term, a first for a Madison mayor if she wins. Rhodes-Conway announced her reelection campaign in July, saying she was proud of what her administration and the community had accomplished. Her campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the developing contest. The challengers bring a mix of experience in local government and business, political analyst Brandon Scholz said. Former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said the number of credible candidates willing to run suggests some see Rhodes-Conway as vulnerable. The race is unfolding after months of heightened tension over city decisions. A July shooting that killed Corey Ruiz prompted scrutiny of the city’s lack of police body cameras and its handling of a homeless encampment in the weeks afterward. The campaign is also expected to address Madison’s growth, housing, transportation and public education. Cieslewicz said those issues are likely to become central as voters weigh the city’s direction and the incumbent’s record. Madison’s nonpartisan primary is scheduled for Feb. 16, 2027, with the general election set for April 6. With six months remaining before the primary, the contest is gaining momentum earlier than some observers expected.