Dem-NPL Leaders remember Former House Minority Leader Merle Boucher

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 15, 2026

ROLETTE – Former North Dakota House Minority Leader Merle Boucher passed away. Boucher represented District 9 in the North Dakota House from 1991 to 2011, serving as House Minority Leader from 1996 to 2011.

Senator Tim Mathern (D-11) said, “Merle and I were like brothers campaigning for the governor nomination. We packed District meetings with Merle always speaking with emotion and care for our people. The 2008 Democratic -NPL convention erupted with unbridled shouts of joy when the rules were suspended and Merle was unanimously elected to be our lieutenant governor candidate!”

Agriculture Commissioner Candidate and former Senate Minority Leader Vern Thompson said, “Merle was a great educator, coach, and legislative leader. He was a great guy who always put kids, education, and rural America first. That was him! He helped push legislation for the Devils Lake flood disaster. Merle partnered with the people of the Devils Lake Basin and fought in Washington DC for us.”

Former Assistant Senate Minority Leader Aaron Krauter said, “Representative Boucher was a passionate legislative leader who never wavered on his core belief in the good of all people.”

Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan remarked, “Merle was a true servant leader. During his time in the ND legislature, Merle always spoke for the care and protection of people, particularly the vulnerable and for the earth. He was well respected by both Parties because he always listened and treated others respectfully. He nurtured new legislators and truly loved being a Democrat.”

Former State Representative Shirley Meyer said, “He was such a wonderful communicator. One of the reasons I decided to run for the House was because I happened to hear one of his floor speeches, and I thought that this is what representing the people is all about. He will be missed.”

Former State Representative Beg Vig said, “Merle was one of the best legislators, glad I could be in the legislature same time as him. With Merle, it was easy to see that teachers make the best legislators and floor leaders.”

DNC Committee Man Jamie Selzler said, “I had the honor of getting to know Merle Boucher in 2007 when he was leading the Democrats in the North Dakota House. We spent hundreds of hours traveling the state together recruiting candidates and meeting with district leaders. I was always stunned that in every coffee shop or gas station we stopped at, at least one person there knew who he was. He took time for everyone, listening to their concerns and sharing what he would do with them.

Merle Boucher was a public servant of the highest order. He was kind, smart, funny, and deeply insightful about policy. North Dakota is a better place because Merle gave so many years to serving our state.”

Prairie Rose Seminole, Chair of the ND Democratic-NPL Native Caucus said, “Merle brought integrity, thoughtfulness, and a deep commitment to the people he served. He was among the first legislators I ever had the privilege of meeting, and I will always remember his steadfast support for Native rights and issues. He understood the importance of listening, building relationships, and ensuring that Tribal voices were heard in the policymaking process.
Merle’s legacy will endure through his decades of service, his advocacy for underserved communities, and the countless lives he touched as a teacher, coach, farmer, and legislator. Our prayers are with Susan, and all who loved and were loved by him.”

Attorney General Candidate Tim Lamb said, “I visited him in his Minority Leader office off the Legislative chamber of the Capitol building, and he gave me his undivided attention. He explained his role as Minority Leader and took me on a brief tour of both houses of the legislature. Then, he invited me to attend a legislative meeting in a basement conference room. It was very interesting. He was truly a good and decent person. God rest his soul.”

Tax Commissioner Candidate Mark Nelson said, “Merle was a man of the people. I watched him go out of his way to talk to people.”

CONTACT:
Laura Dronen
Communications Director
laura.dronen@demnpl.com