CONCORD, NH — After weeks of waiting for official comment, Democrat’s New Hampshire House leader has formally requested a Nashua Democrat to resign from her seat due to multiple criminal allegations against her.
State Rep. Stacie Laughton (D-Nashua), a prior felon and one of the first transgendered persons to be elected to a state legislature in the United States, is being held in jail on multiple charges, accused of stalking a woman in Hudson in August and November. She was arrested on two sets of charges — and was able to hide one of the arrests from voters. The second allegation against her occurred on Election Day.
Laughton, through her attorney, informed the Secretary of State’s office she would not be seated for Organization Day and probably would not be able to defend her duties for several months.
After being sworn in today, state Rep. Matt Wilhem, D-Manchester, called the accusations against Laughton “deeply troubling,” noting “domestic violence and stalking is reprehensive behavior.” He then called on her to resign and for a special election to be held.
“While Representative Laughton’s attorney has stated that she will be unable to undertake legislative activities for a couple of months,” Wilhem said, “I call on her to issue a formal resignation and allow the citizens of Nashua to elect a new representative in a special election.”
Last year, after being arrested on texting charges, she complained about media coverage that made her look like a monster.
“I’ve come a long way I have a good heart,” she said. “I love serving my community … I love volunteering in my community to help others in need because I have been somebody in need in the past … I have been homeless and now I am (the) host … I have needed help with food and now I can help with food … so it’s really sad to see people paint such a negative picture of me and not get the other side.”
During Organization Day, 200 Republicans and 191 Democrats were sworn into the House. Republicans hold a tiny 201 to 198 majority.
According to reports, state Sen. Jeb Bradley, R-Wolfeboro, was sworn in as Senate president.
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