Time is running out for them to make their case.
"Kentucky is hungry for strong leadership," said Rocky Adkins.
"I’ve fought for the lost, the lonely and the left behind," said Andy Beshear.
"This is our time to elect a ticket that is powered by ideas and people," said Adam Edelen.
Feverishly crisscrossing the state, the Democrats competing for a chance to take on incumbent Governor Matt Bevin leaned on familiar themes at a firehouse breakfast Saturday hosted by state Rep. Joni Jenkins in Louisville. It will come down to Adkins, a veteran lawmaker, Beshear, the state's Attorney General or Edelen, a former state auditor.
Perennial candidate Geoff Young, a full-time political activist in Lexington, is also in the race.
"Serving in the legislature has given me really a keen understanding of all of Kentucky and I think that’s a big advantage for me and I think that’s what separates me from the others on the ballot," said Adkins.
"I’m the only candidate for governor on either side who has a record of new economy job creation and who has a record of fighting corruption," said Edelen.
"Right now I'm in three national lawsuits preventing the federal government from tearing away mandatory coverage for preexisting conditions," said Beshear.
At the breakfast, some people said they were still undecided but are monitoring where the candidates stand on the matters that concern Kentuckians most.
"The gun issue, I think it is so irresponsible for people to be permitted to carry concealed weapons without any training. Just more guns in more people’s hands, I don’t think it’s going to be a good thing unless they want to go back to the quick draw," said Kenny Sohm of Louisville.
University of Louisville political science professor Dewey Clayton says whoever Democrats pick, the gubernatorial race is significant for the state party as a whole after years of bruising losses.
"People are wanting to see if the Republicans are going to make increasing inroads and just have a full sweep or if Democrats are going to stop some of the hemorrhaging," said Clayton.
Though the Secretary of State predicts only about 12.5% of registered voters will turn out for the primary election Tuesday, people who have met the candidates say they are energized and hope key issues will drive more people to the polls.
"The pension crisis. You work hard for that. People need that. Some people only live on their pensions," said Nancy Etter of Shively.
"It’s the privilege that we have and if you don’t use it, it's your own fault and if you don’t use it and you've got anything to comoplain about, you should realize you didn’t vote," said Betty Ryan of Louisville.