MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Democrats are sizing up six candidates for mayor and deciding if any will run this fall with the party’s endorsement.

The city Democratic convention Saturday was the first big marker in a crowded mayoral race likely to stay that way up through November. Because of the instant runoff voting process, which allows voters to choose more than one candidate by ranking them, there won’t be a primary.

Incumbent R.T. Rybak isn’t seeking a new term, so several candidates are vying for the job.

The six seeking the Democratic endorsement are: former Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Andrew, former City Council President Jackie Cherryhomes, teacher Jim Thomas and current City Council members Betsy Hodges, Don Samuels and Gary Schiff.

There’s a chance that the convention will end without anyone being endorsed.