Illustrations by Alberto Miranda

In 2020, Democratic voters faced a crucial choice: who should be the candidate to take on Trump in the November election? From consensus-minded-pragmatists in the party's moderate lane, to a Democratic socialist, the contenders put forward a wide range of visions for the future of their party, and country.

At its peak, more than 24 Democratic presidential candidates were competing. Stretched over four decades in age, the field also featured an historic number of women and included multiple African Americans, at least one Latino, a gay navy veteran, a Hindu – and a vegan. But as the field has narrowed, it has become less and less diverse. By contrast, only a handful of Republicans jumped in the race to challenge Trump for the nomination. The odds – and history – were against these candidates from the start, as they tried to unseat a president their party holds in high regard.

Trump, all but assured to win the nomination, has already begun taunting former vice president Joe Biden, setting the stage for a wild, unpredictable, rough-and-tumble election season.