Exclusive: Boston teachers back Lynch challenger in Dem primary fight
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The Boston Teachers Union will endorse Patrick Roath in his Democratic primary challenge against 25-year incumbent Rep. Stephen Lynch in Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The BTU's endorsement brings ground-level muscle and organizational credibility to Roath's campaign.
What they're saying: BTU president Erik Berg said in a statement "public education and organized labor are being attacked, undermined, and eradicated by our federal government," and that Roath "knows what's at stake and he'll fight for our schools, our students, and our future," adding that "he will be a tireless advocate for the whole district."
Roath, a Jamaica Plain attorney, called the endorsement a "profound honor" and said he'd work to close a federal funding gap for education that he says Lynch has failed to address.
- "We need champions for public education, for fair pay, and to actually get federal funds flowing to communities," Roath told Axios.
Between the lines: Roath framed the endorsement as a verdict on Lynch's record, not just his own pitch to unseat him.
- He's been calling Lynch "the last Democrat left in Washington who voted against the Affordable Care Act" and the only Massachusetts delegation member to support detaining immigrants charged with crimes under the Laken Riley Act.
- Lynch has the support of the Professional Firefighters of Mass., his own former union, Iron Workers Local 7, and other labor groups.
- A spokesman for Lynch did not respond to a request for comment.
State of play: BTU members are expected to join Roath's field program ahead of the Sept. 1 Democratic primary.
- Roath has raised more than $1 million and secured endorsements from former Gov. Deval Patrick and several other local elected officials.