Who Is Running in Massachusetts Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Stephen Lynch
(Incumbent)Economy
LowStephen Lynch advocates for reducing energy consumption and dependence on foreign oil to create a secure and sustainable energy future. He supports renewable and clean energy resources, energy efficiency, and aims for a clean energy economy. He explicitly supports the American Clean Energy and Security Act to achieve these goals, which also includes reducing global warming pollution.
Immigration
HighStephen Lynch voted for the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 29) in January 2025, a bill mandating ICE detention for immigrants charged with specific offenses. He defended his vote, noting the bill, though "imperfect," was "meaningful" for establishing an orderly immigration process. Lynch emphasizes the need to control the border and know who is entering the country, stating the current system is "overwhelmed" and has increased public fear.
Healthcare
HighStephen Lynch opposed the 2025 government shutdown deal that would have allowed healthcare subsidies to expire, indicating his support for maintaining affordable healthcare access. He has also been involved with Medicare legislation in the 119th Congress, specifically H.R.842.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Stephen Lynch |
|---|---|
| Economy | Stephen Lynch advocates for reducing energy consumption and dependence on foreign oil to create a secure and sustainable energy future. He supports renewable and clean energy resources, energy efficiency, and aims for a clean energy economy. He explicitly supports the American Clean Energy and Security Act to achieve these goals, which also includes reducing global warming pollution. Low |
| Immigration | Stephen Lynch voted for the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 29) in January 2025, a bill mandating ICE detention for immigrants charged with specific offenses. He defended his vote, noting the bill, though "imperfect," was "meaningful" for establishing an orderly immigration process. Lynch emphasizes the need to control the border and know who is entering the country, stating the current system is "overwhelmed" and has increased public fear. High |
| Healthcare | Stephen Lynch opposed the 2025 government shutdown deal that would have allowed healthcare subsidies to expire, indicating his support for maintaining affordable healthcare access. He has also been involved with Medicare legislation in the 119th Congress, specifically H.R.842. High |
| Climate & Energy | Stephen Lynch supports federal action to address climate change, recognizing its threat to seaside communities, and aims to create a secure, sustainable energy future by reducing energy consumption and dependence on foreign oil. He supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act, introduced the Climate Change National Security Strategy Act, and cosponsored the Environmental Justice For All Act and the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. The League of Conservation Voters gave him a 2024 score of 91% and a lifetime score of 98%. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Stephen Lynch supports abortion rights, having voted in favor of the Right to Contraception Act and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. He would actively oppose Supreme Court nominees who seek to overturn Roe v. Wade, believing its repeal would not reduce abortions but instead make them more perilous for women. Lynch maintains that abortion should be legal, though rare, and that the Constitution protects the right to privacy. High |
| Foreign Policy | Stephen Lynch voted to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from Venezuela in January 2026. He also voted in favor of the Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to Taiwan Act in February 2026. His voting record suggests a position that supports certain actions related to international security. High |
| Education | Stephen Lynch believes that education serves as the fundamental basis for opportunity within the United States. He has demonstrated this position by specifically supporting the renewal of Head Start, which is a premiere early education program that has been serving the nation for over 40 years. Low |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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