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."

Lynch was first elected to Congress via a special election in 2001. He is campaigning on his background in Congress as well as his background as a former ironworker. His campaign website says, "I've spent my entire life fighting for working families, eighteen of those years spent in a pair of work boots as an Ironworker. And I'm proud to say that when I was elected to Congress, I never left my working class values behind." Lynch has also campaigned on his record on the economy. His campaign website says that he "will continue to support policies that strengthen our economy, grow our middle class and help America's working families." The Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the Iron Workers Local 7 endorsed Lynch.

Roath is a lawyer and aide to former Gov. Deval Patrick (D). He is campaigning on supporting a federal paid leave plan based on Massachusetts' state program, writing in a Substack post, "I'll fight to bring the Massachusetts model nationwide. Every American worker deserves what we've already achieved here—12 weeks of guaranteed paid family leave, regardless of whether you work for a corporation or small business, whether you're salaried or hourly." Roath is also campaigning on building more housing units, and his campaign website says, "The housing crisis stems from one basic problem: we don't have enough affordable homes in the right places ... I'll champion federal action to build millions of homes that teachers, nurses, and firefighters can actually afford." Gov. Patrick and the Boston Teachers' Union endorsed Roath.