Stephen Lynch

U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch held onto his seat Tuesday night through a primary challenge from progressive Democrat primary opponent Patrick Roath, who campaigned as a generational change candidate in contrast to the long-tenured incumbent.

Rep. Stephen Lynch, 71, led by 57% over Roath’s 43% as of nearly 12:30 a.m., with 79% of precincts reporting, the Associated Press reported, calling the race just before midnight.

Lynch is seeking his 14th term in office representing Massachusetts Eighth Congressional District, spanning from southern Boston to Wapole, Easton and Hull. Lynch was challenged by Patrick Roath, 39, a lawyer who worked under former Gov. Deval Patrick and told voters he stood for “new leadership.”

Lynch will go on to face Republican candidate Robert Gerald Burke, who ran uncontested in the primary, in the November election.

The congressman, who grew up in Boston and became a labor leader following long career in ironworking, was initially elected in 2001. Lynch ran as an experienced, “common sense” candidate, touting his “working class values” and citing priorities including economic security and standing up to the Trump administration.

Roath, telling CNN at one point Lynch has been in office “since I was five years old,” promoted his candidacy as a new opportunity to “take on Trump’s authoritarian agenda and deliver bold solutions for working families.” He boasted his record as a voting rights advocate and attorney, as well as an aide to Gov. Patrick and President Obama.

Lynch celebrated his win at the Broadway restaurant in South Boston with supporters Tuesday night.