Here’s a look at the candidates on the Sept. 4 primary ballot, with biographies reported and compiled by Globe staff and correspondents. Candidates have also filled out a brief survey at our request.
Eighth Congressional District
The district covers parts of Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts, including the cities of Brockton and Quincy and 21 other towns.
Candidates:
Stephen F. Lynch
The son of a blue-collar family in South Boston, Lynch, 63, was an ironworker and union leader before becoming a lawmaker. In 1994, he became a state representative, and from 1996-2001, served as a state senator. He won a seat in the US House in 2001 after winning a special election. Lynch launched an unsuccessful bid for the US Senate in 2013 when John Kerry resigned to become secretary of state. Lynch lives in South Boston.
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What’s the most pressing issue facing residents of the Eighth District, and why are you uniquely positioned to address it?* I fight every day for solutions to our most pressing issues: Affordable housing, infrastructure, climate change, opioid addiction, education and health care. I listen to my constituents and am their voice in Washington. I have the experience and take a common sense approach to solving problems.
How would you approach the role of US representative differently than your primary opponents? I am happy to be judged on what I have accomplished as their congressman. I wake up in the morning eager to advocate for what I think is right and to vigorously fight the present administration on its historic attempts to role back needed protections and funding.
How do you think Quincy and Boston should move forward, if at all, with plans to set up a recovery campus on Long Island? Should there be a bridge? I was always concerned that the Long Island facility warehoused people. The cost of a bridge to return to this reality would be better spent on direct programs for treatment.
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Would you vote for Nancy Pelosi if she runs again for Leader or Speaker? It’s not clear who will run for leader, so that is a question for another day.
What’s the best beach in the district, and when was the last time you went there? Our beaches are the best in the country! But I personally enjoy Carson beach year round and was able to swim there this past Saturday.
Christopher L. Voehl
A Milton native, Voehl was a fighter pilot for the Air Force, serving 20 years and being deployed six times. After retiring from the military as a lieutenant colonel, Voehl began piloting large aircraft for UPS. Voehl, 49, unsuccessfully ran for a spot on the Milton School Committee in 2016. Voehl graduated from Vanderbilt University.
What’s the most pressing issue facing residents of the Eighth District, and why are you uniquely positioned to address it? The vote on “Medicare4All” is coming soon. Everyone has an opinion on socialized medicine. If you want it, vote for Stephen Lynch (co-sponsor for years). If you do not, vote for Christopher Voehl. I will vote NO. It is a massive tax and will steal from Medicare/Social Security. I support our seniors.
How would you approach the role of US representative differently than your primary opponents? My story is about military service. I was an F-15E fighter pilot and commander of the drones with six deployments including combat time in Iraq. I am tired of wars. Our kids should go to prom instead of boot camp. Stephen Lynch voted for Iraq and against leaving Afghanistan. I am working for peace.
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How do you think Quincy and Boston should move forward, if at all, with plans to set up a recovery campus on Long Island? Should there be a bridge? Massachusetts certainly needs the recovery campus. Is an isolated island the best place to let addicts learn daily coping skills so they stay sober? I support a federal land grant for the project so the island can become public. Boston and Quincy both have traffic problems. The bridge does not help.
Would you vote for Nancy Pelosi if she runs again for Leader or Speaker? No.
What’s the best beach in the district, and when was the last time you went there? Wollaston Beach in Quincy has become a great place for families. In July, we enjoyed walking and viewing the Boston skyline late in the afternoon.
Brianna Wu
Wu is a co-founder and head developer at Giant Spacekat, an independent video game studio. She gained prominence in 2014 when she faced online harassment as part of the GamerGate controversy, receiving numerous death threats. Wu, 41, grew up in Mississippi and worked briefly in politics in Washington, D.C., before moving to Dedham.
What’s the most pressing issue facing residents of the Eighth District, and why are you uniquely positioned to address it?* Jobs, jobs, jobs. People just want to work and be appropriately compensated. I’m a software engineer who knows hi-tech leaders. I can bring in those jobs, and with them, work in construction, HVAC, electricity, etc. I will revitalize parts of the district too long ignored.
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How would you approach the role of US representative differently than your primary opponents? One of the other key issues facing our country is cybersecurity. Unlike Stephen Lynch, I’m an expert in this field. I will fight the hackers trying to steal your identity and your Social Security number, hack into your bank account, and attack the integrity of our elections.
How do you think Quincy and Boston should move forward, if at all, with plans to set up a recovery campus on Long Island? Should there be a bridge? Having seen first-hand the damage caused by addiction and homelessness, I fully support rebuilding the Long Island recovery center, homeless shelter, and hospital. I will work on a transportation solution that takes into account the concerns of Quincy residents and everyone else concerned.
Would you vote for Nancy Pelosi if she runs again for Leader or Speaker? I’m currently not inclined to support Pelosi, though I am open to having my mind changed. I respect Pelosi’s accomplishments, but I don’t think she’s capable of charting a way forward. I doubt Pelosi could tell you what she stands for beyond soundbites anymore.
What’s the best beach in the district, and when was the last time you went there? I recently ran along the majestic beach in Hull, a reminder to prevent rising ocean levels from destroying District 8’s natural beauty.
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There are no Republican candidates in this race.
An asterisk (*) notes campaign representatives said they filled out the survey questions on behalf of the candidates.
The Globe’s primary guide was written by Globe correspondents Matt Stout, Marek Mazurek, Sophia Eppolito, and Jamie Halper, as well as Joshua Miller, Maria Cramer, Michael Levenson, Milton J. Valencia and Stephanie Ebbert of the Globe staff.
It was compiled and edited by Shira Center, and produced by Christina Prignano.