The Democratic primary for Massachusetts’ 8th Congressional District remains closely contested ahead of the September 1 vote, with traders assigning Patrick Roath a modest edge over longtime incumbent Stephen Lynch. The race tightened after the Boston Teachers Union endorsed Roath in late May, highlighting differences on federal education funding and positioning the challenger as a fresher alternative in a district long held by Lynch. Roath’s rapid fundraising and early polling momentum have offset Lynch’s name recognition and institutional support, while minor candidate Andrew Zylberfink draws negligible attention. Further union backing, candidate debates, or shifts in voter turnout among Boston-area progressives could widen the gap before primary ballots are cast.