Stephen Lynch

Patrick Roath, a lawyer and former aide to Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, is seeking to unseat Congressman Stephen Lynch in the Democratic primary this September.

"We need a different kind of leadership," said Roath in an interview with NBC10 Boston. "This is a time in our country's history where we need people who are prepared to go down there, treat this like the mission that it is, to really fight back against this administration."

Lynch has held his seat since 2001 and describes himself as a moderate Democrat. Roath presents a more progressive viewpoint and believes his message will resonate with voters.

But that extended tenure has elevated Lynch to senior roles on the House's Financial Services Committee and Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

"There is a big difference between experience and accomplishment," said Roath. "I don't see a big legislative portfolio. I don't see a lot of bills with his name on it."

As for his priorities, Roath lays out a few key areas he would target if elected: "Housing costs, the cost of health care, the cost of child care and fixing our politics so we can actually address those things."

The Massachusetts primary election is scheduled for Sept. 1. You can hear more from Patrick Roath during our "@Issue Sit Down" segment airing at 9:30 a.m. Sunday on NECN and streaming at nbcboston.com.

NBC10 Boston has extended an interview invite to Congressman Stephen Lynch and is waiting to hear back from his team on specific timing.