Who's running in Massachusetts's 8th congressional district
2 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
2 candidates · ballot order · Stephen Lynch currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Fair wages for working families.
Protecting Social Security.
Making housing more affordable, including federal money for affordable housing in the district.
Hospital funding for the district.
Working across party lines, which he says experience makes possible.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Massachusetts's 8th District (numbered 9th before 2013) since October 2001.
Former ironworker, union officer and Massachusetts state legislator.
The last remaining Democrat in Congress who voted against the Affordable Care Act.
Ranking Democrat on a House Financial Services subcommittee covering artificial intelligence and digital assets.
Won the September 1, 2026 Democratic primary with 55.6% against Patrick Roath, who out-raised him with more than $1.2 million.
Beat Robert Burke in the 2022 and 2024 general elections.
Endorsed by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, IBEW Local 2222, the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and UNITE HERE Local 26.
Arguments in favor
'Experience matters': Congress needs people 'who have been through the wars, who can get things done', and he is one of the few members of either party who grew up poor and understands working people's perspective.
— Stephen Lynch, to WBUR
His seniority, including a ranking subcommittee post, gives him clout, and he has delivered federal money for affordable housing and hospitals and works across party lines.
— Stephen Lynch campaign, reported by WBUR and The Patriot Ledger
Arguments against
Veteran politicians like him have failed to take on President Trump forcefully — 'I don't see the kind of passion and urgency and bold, creative thinking' the moment demands — and he has been insufficiently progressive on health care, immigration and abortion.
— Patrick Roath, Democratic primary opponent, reported by WBUR; Roath was endorsed by The Boston Globe
He has helped pass only one balanced budget in his time in Congress and relies on continuing resolutions, putting the district last.
— Robert Burke, Republican opponent, to Boston.com (2024)
What we couldn’t verify
Lynch resisted Roath's calls for more primary debates; whether he will debate Burke had not been reported.
Securing the southern border, including a border wall.
Passing a balanced federal budget instead of continuing resolutions.
Treating inflation and the economy as the central issues.
Working with members of any party in Congress.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Videographer; raised in Milton and living in Dedham.
Republican nominee for this seat in 2022 and 2024, losing both times to Lynch.
Won the September 1, 2026 Republican primary unopposed.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
Unlike the sitting congressman he would work with any party and make passing a balanced budget his first act, holding Washington to the same discipline as families pinching pennies.
— Robert Burke, to Boston.com (2024)
Arguments against
He has lost to Lynch twice in a district that has elected a Democrat to the House since 1972, and in 2024 made a claim about fetal pain at 15 days that Boston.com's editors noted contradicts the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' finding that pain is not possible before 24–25 weeks.
— Boston.com (2024); election results
What we couldn’t verify
No coverage of Burke's 2026 campaign beyond his uncontested nomination could be found; his positions come from 2024 interviews and may have changed.
No criticism of Burke by Lynch's campaign or the DCCC could be found.
No current campaign website or 2026 fundraising totals could be located.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Massachusetts held its state primary on September 1, 2026. The November contest is between Democratic incumbent Stephen Lynch and Republican Robert Burke, a rematch of 2022 and 2024. Lynch beat progressive lawyer Patrick Roath 55.6% to 44.2% in the Democratic primary; Burke was unopposed. Post-primary reports by WBUR and The Patriot Ledger name only these two candidates. An independent, Michael Hammond, had withdrawn earlier. Ballotpedia also lists Kelechi Linardon in this district, but no report confirms Linardon qualified, so Linardon is not profiled. The Secretary of the Commonwealth's list could not be read directly. The district covers parts of Boston, including South Boston, and the South Shore through Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth and Brockton. Forecasters rate it safe Democratic.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Massachusetts ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.