Mass. U.S. Reps. Neal And Lynch Best Primary Foes

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts has fended off two Democratic primary challengers, including a Boston-based software engineer.

The win means Lynch, first elected in 2001, is virtually ensured another two-year term in the 8th Congressional District. There are no Republicans on the November ballot.

Brianna Wu is a co-founder of the video game company Giant Spacekat. She rose to prominence after being targeted by what became known as Gamergate, which subjected women in the video-game industry to misogynistic threats. She says Lynch didn't do enough to oppose President Trump.

Lynch says he proudly supported Trump's Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.

The 63-year-old Lynch is a former union ironworker and grew up in South Boston.

Former Air Force fighter pilot Christopher Voehl also ran in the primary.

1st District Result

Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Richard Neal has defeated Democratic primary challenger Tahirah Amatul-Wadud.

During the campaign, Neal defended his long record, pointing to his leadership role as the ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee.

Amatul-Wadud cited an "absence of moral leadership" in Washington as one reason she decided run in the state's 1st Congressional District in western Massachusetts.

The Springfield attorney had hoped to become the first Muslim elected to Congress from Massachusetts. She backed a proposal to make Medicare available to all Americans regardless of age.

Neal emphasized his leadership role in Congress during the passage of the 2010 health care law and would protect it from Republican attacks.

Neal will run unopposed in November.