The first in his family to attend college, he attended the University of Notre Dame and later graduated from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government with a master's degree in Public Policy.

He was elected to the Pennsylvania state legislature in 2008, becoming the first Democrat to ever represent his legislative district. Two years later his brother, Kevin, was also elected to the state legislature, making them the first brothers to serve together in the state House. In 2014, Congressman Boyle pulled off a major upset win over three better funded rivals to be elected to Congress. Now in his fifth term, Congressman Boyle is the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee. He is also Chairman of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly's Political Committee.