Workbench Strategy
80%60%40%20%0%
62%
Democrat
Stephen Lynch
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Massachusetts
$23.9K
SEP 16, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — MA-08 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
52%chance to win
$23.9KSEP 16, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleU.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age71 years old (Mar 31, 1955)
GenderMale
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LocationMassachusetts
BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationWentworth Institute of Technology — B.S., Construction Management (1988)
Notable personal detailsStephen Francis Lynch is a Democratic member of the U.S. House representing Massachusetts’s 8th Congressional District, first elected in an October 2001 special election. Before Congress, he worked for 18 years as a structural ironworker and became president of Iron Workers Local 7, then practiced as a labor and employment attorney. He served in the Massachusetts House (1995–1996) and State Senate (1997–2001), and holds degrees from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston College Law School, and Harvard University’s Kennedy School.
SourcesShowHide
history.house.govlynch.house.govfec.govstephenflynch.comen.wikipedia.orgaxios.comlines.comelectrepublicans.orgifs.orgwashingtonpost.comelectionstats.state.ma.usapi.open.fec.govmapoli.uscdn.ymaws.comnteu.orgelections.ny.govaflcio.orgbostonglobe.comwbur.orgcommonwealthbeacon.orgboston.comcongress.govwgbh.orgrollcall.comafge.orginstagram.comfacebook.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgpolitico.comthehill.combostonherald.commasslive.comnbcboston.comballotpedia.orgbtu.orghouse.govoversight.house.govziplook.house.govcha.house.govdocs.house.govwatsoncoleman.house.govdemocrats.house.govgovinfo.govfr.wikipedia.org
Political Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports policies that protect and expand economic security for working families, including preserving Social Security, funding infrastructure, and tax measures aimed at benefiting most households rather than large tax cuts for corporations. Has cited support for stimulus and job-creation measures and co-sponsored legislation addressing pension and economic protections for workers.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare and has called for measures such as a public option and state-level solutions to increase competition and lower costs. Opposed Republican repeal efforts (voted against the AHCA/TrumpCare) and has criticized plans that would reduce coverage or raise costs for families.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports legal abortion and federal protections for Roe v. Wade while acknowledging some personal reservations; has shifted away from an earlier 'pro-life' label and opposes extreme state-level bans. Positions include support for nominees who would not overturn Roe and criticism of very restrictive abortion laws.
Climate & Energy
Supports climate action and recognizes climate change as a national security threat; introduced legislation to incorporate climate into national security strategy and has cosponsored environmental justice and plastic pollution bills. Favors reducing dependence on foreign oil, increasing renewable energy and efficiency while also describing an "all-of-the-above" energy approach that includes transitional fossil fuel use.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports stronger federal gun-safety laws including an assault weapons ban, expanded/universal background checks, and red-flag/Extreme Risk Protection Order legislation; participates in gun-violence prevention task forces and has sponsored/co-sponsored multiple gun safety bills. Advocates regulatory and oversight measures aimed at reducing gun violence and restricting certain firearms and related sales practices.
Latest News
AINews Summary
Last updatedAug 13, 2026
Stephen Lynch is in the news because he is facing challenger Patrick Roath in the Massachusetts 8th District Democratic primary. The race is being framed as a contest between Lynch’s long tenure and centrist record and Roath’s push for generational change and a more progressive approach. Endorsements, union support, and Lynch’s record of bringing federal earmarks to district projects are also part of the campaign debate.
history.house.gov+43
Latest Polls
Recent polling results and the candidate's current average in the race.
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
Total raisedCash on hand
$1.4M
$1.0M
$677.5K
$338.7K
$0
2022
2024
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$962.3K
$1.4M
$820.8K
$34.2K
Cycle 2024
$710.1K
$1.1M
$976.3K
$40.7K
Cycle 2026
$817.3K
$1.2M
$664.9K
$36.9K
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements