Nashua State Representative, Accused Stalker, Resigns House Seat

By Michael Graham, NH Journal

Disgraced New Hampshire Democrat Stacie Laughton (D-Nashua) has resigned from the House of Representatives, adding to the GOP’s narrow margin of control.

The Office of the House Clerk published the notice of Laughton’s resignation on Thursday.

Laughton, who has been in and out of legal trouble since at least 2008, was until recently being held without bail in the Valley Street Jail in Manchester. The lawmaker was put there by 9th District Court Judge Kimberly Chabot, who found clear and convincing evidence that the incumbent state representative is currently a danger to the alleged victim and the community at large.

According to Valley Street Jail officials, Laughton was released on December 19.

Laughton was first arrested by Hudson police on the current stalking charges more than a month ago, according to a report from Patch. Court records show Laughton was already on bail after being charged with sending fake 911 text messages to police. Those charges resulted from an investigation last year.

However, no New Hampshire Democrats called for Laughton to resign until it was clear the Nashua representative was a no-show on Organization Day, where a closely split legislature meant it was possible Democrats could hold a majority on attendance. (Despite being in jail, Laughton would have been able to travel to the State House to participate in legislative activity under the state’s constitution.)

Just minutes after Organization Day attendance was tabulated (GOP 200, Dems 191) and it was clear Laughton was not in attendance, both House Democratic leader Matt Wilhelm and state party chair Ray Buckley released statements demanding her resignation.

“I call on Rep.-elect Laughton to resign immediately,” Buckley said. “The charges against Laughton are extremely serious and troubling and have no place in our state legislature or in our party.”

Both Wilhelm and Buckley declined to respond to requests for comment about Laughton’s resignation.

In addition to Laughton’s empty seat, the House is awaiting the results of a February 21, 2023, special election in Rochester. November’s general election between Republican David Walker and incumbent Democrat Rep. Chuck Grassie ended in a tie.

This story was originally published by the NH Journal, an online news publication dedicated to providing fair, unbiased reporting on, and analysis of, political news of interest to New Hampshire. For more stories from the NH Journal, visit NHJournal.com.