1976Final results
1976 election for Massachusetts's 8th District
U.S. House · Massachusetts
Thomas P. O'Neill Jr. (D) won with 74.4% of the vote, defeating William A. Barnstead (R) by 55.7 points.
Thomas P. O'Neill Jr.Democrat · winner
74.4%133,131
William A. BarnsteadRepublican
18.7%33,437
Florenzo Di DonatoIndependent
4.6%8,233
Leo F. KahianOther party
2.2%4,022
178,850 votes
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The seat over time
D − R margin in this seat's races around 1976
Races before and after
Source: MIT Election Data and Science LabUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:25 AM ET
The candidates
Thomas P. O'Neill Jr. (D)William A. Barnstead (R)
Also on the ballot: Florenzo Di Donato (Independent), 4.6%; Leo F. Kahian (Other party), 2.2%