Circling the state just three months before the November election, Democrat Josh Shapiro and Republican Doug Mastriano — gubernatorial contenders hoping to take over for Gov. Tom Wolf — agree on one thing:

The stakes are higher than ever, and they — not their opponent — can meet this crucial moment in Pennsylvania’s history.

Mr. Shapiro, the sitting attorney general, has used the stakes as a sledgehammer. He’s been repeatedly labeling Mr. Mastriano an extremist and telling voters that his opponent needs to be stopped.

Cognizant of the fact that Republicans are on the verge of complete legislative and executive control in Harrisburg, the Democrat has framed his own candidacy as a work-across-the-aisle antidote to chaos and division — an effort that will benefit Pennsylvanians who are struggling economically.

Mr. Mastriano, a state senator whose district is centered in Adams County, has rolled through southwestern Pennsylvania this week to tout what supporters call a people-powered campaign. He says Democrats — and their friends in the media — are underestimating the size of his movement, and voters understand he’s a change agent who can right the wrongs of Democratic control.

A detailed look at the candidates’ recent public messaging shows a race that could be one of the most significant — and contentious — in the country, at a time when the GOP legislature here seems poised to act on numerous key issues, if only they had a governor’s approval and not his veto pen.