The primary for Pittsburgh’s mayoral race has begun. 

State Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny) announced on Tuesday evening that he is launching a primary challenge against incumbent Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. 

“I’m running for mayor because I know that the working people of Pittsburgh need opportunities for good union jobs with a living wage and benefits, affordable housing, genuine public safety, and a city where we can all belong and contribute,” Gainey said in a release. “We can uplift the City of Pittsburgh for everyone if we start with those who have been left behind.”

“I understand that city government has the power to change lives, uplift communities, and fix what’s broken in our city. Our city is divided, but when we all lay our heads down at night, I believe we all share the same vision for our families, our children, and our neighborhoods,” Gainey continued. “To fulfill our vision for a better tomorrow, Pittsburgh deserves a mayor who will fight with all they’ve got to see the vision through. I’m ready for that fight, and as the next mayor of the city of Pittsburgh, I’ll be a mayor for all of us.”

Gainey is the first declared primary challenger for Peduto’s 2021 reelection bid. WESA reports that Gainey previously endorsed Peduto’s mayoral campaigns during his successful 2013 and 2017 races. 

Gainey, who is currently serving his fifth term in the state House, was first elected in 2012 after defeating incumbent state Rep. Joseph Preston, Jr. in the Democratic primary. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, his 2012 successful bid for the seat was his third attempt at the office. Gainey used to be an aide to Preston. 

Peduto formally announced his intentions to seek a third term last week during a pre-recorded town hall with fourteen community leaders. Gainey is slated to formally launch his campaign on Saturday afternoon.