Incumbent Stephen Lynch (D) and Patrick Roath (D) are running in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District on September 1, 2026.
WBUR's Anthony Brooks wrote, "The race is one of many primary contests across the country pitting the power of incumbency against a call for generational change."
Roath has criticized Lynch's record, saying he was not in touch with the Democratic base. Roath specifically pointed to Lynch's votes for the Laken Riley Act and against the Affordable Care Act, writing in a Substack post: "His voting record speaks for itself. Congressman Lynch is not seriously and meaningfully committed to reversing the damage wrought by Trump ... We can continue with the status quo, or we can elect a new generation of leaders." Lynch says that his experience has given him an understanding of how Congress works: "You also need people who've been through the wars, who can get things done, that bring a perspective over time. You don't want all brand-new people — like my opponent — who have zero experience in government."
