Official portrait of Stephen F. Lynch, U.S. Representative for Massachusetts

U.S. Representative

Stephen F. Lynch

Massachusetts District 8

DemocratProgressive

Votes on Record

243

across 12 categories

241 analyzed in depth

Contact

202-225-8273Official Website2109 Rayburn House Office Building Washington DC 20515-2108

Voting Profile

Legislative Record

241 votes analyzed

Most Active Policy Areas

#1 healthcare#2 budget#3 agriculture#4 other#5 banking finance

241

Votes Analyzed

Data sources: voteview, congress.gov

Political Position

Ideology Spectrum

-0.34Progressive

Stephen F. Lynch is a progressive Democrat whose voting record places him slightly to the right of the average House Democrat. His NOMINATE score of -0.342 indicates liberal positions overall, though he represents a more moderate faction within his party, potentially reflecting the working-class roots of his Massachusetts district.

LiberalModerateConservative
Democrat avg

Near the average for Democrats (-0.38)

Data source: VoteView NOMINATE scores (UCLA/UC San Diego)

Policy Positions

Category Breakdown

241

total votes analyzed

Overview

Representative Lynch has served in the U.S. House representing Massachusetts, compiling a voting record across diverse policy areas. His voting patterns show strong support for defense-related measures (88% yea) while taking more selective positions on healthcare legislation (48% yea), suggesting he evaluates bills on their individual merits rather than voting strictly along party lines. His background as a former ironworker and union leader appears to influence his approach to legislation, particularly in areas affecting working families. Lynch has been willing to break from his party on certain procedural votes, as evidenced by his 'nay' votes on several ordering the previous question motions, which control debate rules. With 241 recorded votes across categories including budget, agriculture, banking, and education, Lynch demonstrates engagement across the full spectrum of legislative issues facing Congress. His voting record suggests a pragmatic approach that balances progressive principles with attention to constituent interests.

Key Positions

  • Strong supporter of defense-related legislation with 88% approval rate
  • Selective approach to healthcare bills, supporting roughly half of measures
  • Willingness to oppose party on procedural matters
  • Moderate support for budget and agriculture legislation
  • Background in labor movement influences policy perspective

By Policy Area

Healthcare132
48% yea52% nay
Budget & Spending38
55% yea45% nay
Agriculture34
56% yea44% nay
Other10
60% yea40% nay
Banking & Finance10
50% yea50% nay
Defense8
88% yea12% nay

Analysis updated: January 9, 2026

Campaign Finance

Follow the Money

Includes all authorized campaign committees (principal committee, joint fundraising, and other authorized committees). Outside spending by Super PACs and independent groups is shown separately below. Verify on FEC.gov →

Career: $14.0M

Fundraising Over Time

Raised per election cycleSpent

Contribution Sources

Individual$843K

73%

PAC / Committees$310K

27%

Party Committee$117.29

0%

Individual Breakdown

Itemized (>$200)

$613K

Small Dollar (<$200)

$230K

Donation Sizes

Under $200
$25K · 5%
$200 – 499
$26K · 5%
$500 – 999
$79K · 16%
$1,000 – 1,999
$143K · 29%
$2,000+
$221K · 45%

Share of individual contribution dollars by donation size, current election cycle.

Where the Money Comes From

In-state (MA)$436K · 93%
Out-of-state$35K · 7%

Itemized individual contributions only (donations over $200 report the donor's state). Small-dollar donations are not included because the FEC does not itemize them.

MA
$436K
NY
$9K
NH
$6K
RI
$6K
NJ
$3K
CA
$2K
CT
$2K
TX
$2K

Top Contributors

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Top Contributing Industries

Top Donor Employers

NOT EMPLOYED$51K
SELF$23K
MONARC DEVELOPMENT$18K
SELF EMPLOYED$15K
RETIRED$10K
MASS GENERAL HOSPITAL$8K
HENRY KARA LAW OFFICES$8K
WINN CO$7K
FORWARD FINANCING$7K
JRM RECYCLING$7K
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT$5K
JRM HAULING & RECYCLING$5K

Employer as self-reported by itemized donors. “Not Employed” and “Self-Employed” typically rank highest for small-dollar campaigns and include retirees.

Where the Money Goes

Spending by Purpose

Other / Uncategorized
$553K
Contributions
$53K
Advertising
$24K
Fundraising
$14K
Materials
$10K
Travel
$7K
Administrative
$511.64
Refunds
$500

Purpose categories are self-reported on FEC filings; large “Other” totals are common.

Top Payees

1.

KC STRATEGIES

$112K
2.

AMERICAN EXPRESS

$91K
3.

CHRIS TRULL

$73K
4.

CHICK MONTANA GROUP

$54K
5.

DCCC

$50K
6.

GBAO

$47K
7.

TROPICULTURE

$38K
8.

CINCON GROUP

$36K

Detailed Breakdown

Expenditures

Operating Costs

$548K

Operating Offsets

$4K

Net Operating

$544K

Refunds

Individual Refunds

$2K

Committee Refunds

$4K

Coverage: 1/1/2003 12/31/2004FEC: H2MA09072Updated: 8/12/2026Source: FEC.gov (all authorized committees)
Stephen F. Lynch — U.S. Representative for Massachusetts 8: Voting Record & Donors | PowerVote