# Tony Labranche

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**Tony Labranche** (born November 11, 2001) is a [New Hampshire](/source/New_Hampshire) politician. He was the [youngest member](/source/List_of_the_youngest_state_legislators_in_the_United_States) of the New Hampshire House of Representatives[1] and the youngest openly LGBTQ+ legislator in United States history.[2]

## Early life

Tony Labranche was born in [Nashua, New Hampshire](/source/Nashua,_New_Hampshire) on November 11, 2001, to parents Patrick Labranche and Sandra Martin. Both of whom are originally from [Thetford Mines](/source/Thetford_Mines), [Québec](/source/Quebec) where the majority of his family still lives today.[3] Labranche was diagnosed with stage three [colon cancer](/source/Colorectal_cancer) at age ten.[4] In 2014, Labranche moved to [Amherst, New Hampshire](/source/Amherst,_New_Hampshire).[5]

## Education

Labranche graduated from [Souhegan High School](/source/Souhegan_High_School) in early 2020.[6][7] Labranche attended [Nashua Community College](/source/Nashua_Community_College) and majored in political science.[8][3] Labranche later transferred to [Georgetown University](/source/Georgetown_University) where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in [Sociology](/source/Sociology).[9]

## Political career

In April 2020 Labranche was selected to serve as an alternate delegate for [Bernie Sanders](/source/Bernie_Sanders) at the [2020 Democratic National Convention](/source/2020_Democratic_National_Convention).[10][11] This position gave him a seat on the [New Hampshire Democratic Party](/source/New_Hampshire_Democratic_Party) State Committee.[12]

While finishing his senior year of high school Labranche ran unsuccessfully for the [Souhegan Cooperative School Board](/source/Souhegan_High_School).[5][4] Labranche then pursued a seat in the [New Hampshire House of Representatives](/source/New_Hampshire_House_of_Representatives) as a member of the Democratic Party. Labranche won that bid,[13][14] and took office on December 3, 2020.[6] Labranche served on the State-Federal Relations & Veterans Affairs Committee.[15][1][16]

In 2021 Labranche ran for Rules Committee of the [New Hampshire Democratic Party](/source/New_Hampshire_Democratic_Party).[17] In the same year Labranche ran again for a seat on the Souhegan Cooperative School Board unsuccessfully.[18]

In 2022 Labranche announced that he would leave the [Democratic Party](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) and caucus as an [Independent](/source/Independent_Politician). He cited issues with [New Hampshire Democratic Party](/source/New_Hampshire_Democratic_Party) [Chair Raymond Buckley](/source/Raymond_Buckley), [Joe Biden](/source/Joe_Biden)'s [COVID-19](/source/COVID-19) response, and the [two-party system](/source/Two-party_system) as reasons for his departure.[19][20][21] He caucused with fellow [independent](/source/Independent_politician) [Ellen Read](/source/Ellen_Read) throughout the remainder of the term.[12]

On August 8, 2022, Labranche resigned from the New Hampshire House of Representatives.[22]

Labranche unsuccessfully ran for Speaker of the [New Hampshire House of Representatives](/source/New_Hampshire_House_of_Representatives) in 2022.[23]

On May 20, 2023, Labranche was elected to the Commission de la citoyenneté du [Bloc Québécois](/source/Bloc_Qu%C3%A9b%C3%A9cois) at the Bloc Québécois party congress.[24][25]

On January 6, 2024, Labranche was selected as a primary delegate for the [Marianne Williamson 2024 presidential campaign](/source/Marianne_Williamson_2024_presidential_campaign).[26] Williamson did not meet the threshold to receive any delegates in New Hampshire.

In 2022, Labranche ran for [Hillsborough County](/source/Hillsborough_County,_New_Hampshire) Register of Probate as a member of the Democratic Party and lost.[27]

In February 2025, Labranche announced he was running for First Vice Chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party.[28][29]

## Political Positions

Labranche was considered a [progressive](/source/Progressivism_in_the_United_States) representative.[12]

### Constitutional Reform

In 2022, Labranche proposed eight [constitutional amendments](/source/Constitutional_amendment) to the [New Hampshire Constitution](/source/Constitution_of_New_Hampshire). One such constitutional amendment was to make the New Hampshire Constitution [gender-neutral](/source/Gender_neutrality). Additionally, Labranched proposed a constitutional amendment to lower the age requirement to serve in the [New Hampshire Senate](/source/New_Hampshire_Senate) from 30 to 25.[30] Additionally, Labranche introduced a constitutional amendment to imposed a fifteen term term limit on serving in either chamber of the [New Hampshire General Court](/source/New_Hampshire_General_Court).[31]

### Criminal Justice Reform

In 2021, Labranche co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to prohibit the use of [no-knock warrants](/source/No-knock_warrant) by law enforcement.[32]

In 2022, Labranche introduced a bipartisan bill to legalize the recording of public officials so the state could come into compliance with [Glik v. Cunniffe](/source/Glik_v._Cunniffe).[33] Labranche also co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to prohibit law enforcement from using encrypted frequencies except in a few limited circumstances.[34] Labranche also co-sponsored a bill to require law enforcement wear [body-worn cameras](/source/Police_body_camera).[35] Labranche also co-sponsored a bill to require police departments to gather, analyze, and report [demographic](/source/Demography) information relating to law enforcement "for arrests, citations, motor vehicle and subject stops and searches.".[36]

### Drug Policy

In 2022, Labranche introduced multiple bipartisan pieces of legislation to [legalize cannabis](/source/Legality_of_cannabis_by_U.S._jurisdiction).[37] In that same year, Labranche also introduced bipartisan legislation to lower penalties and further [decriminalize](/source/Decriminalization) cannabis.[38]

In 2021, Labranche cosponsored a bill to lower the penalty for personal possession of drugs.[39] In 2022, Labranche introduced bipartisan legislation to decriminalize the personal possession of [psilocybin mushrooms](/source/Psilocybin_mushroom).[40][41][42]

### Electoral Reform

In 2021, Labranche co-sponsored a bill to reduce the electoral threshold for a political party to be given official party status.[43]

Labranche is a strong proponent of [Ranked Choice Voting](/source/Ranked_voting) (RCV). In 2022, Labranche introduced and cosponsored many pieces of legislation to implement Ranked Choice Voting.[44][45][46] In the same year, Labranche proposed a [constitutional amendment](/source/Constitutional_amendment) that would make 100 seats of the New Hampshire House of Representatives elected by [party list proportional representation](/source/Party-list_proportional_representation).[47] In that same year, Labranche introduced a constitutional amendment that would lower the [voting age](/source/Voting_age) to 17 to vote in [primary elections](/source/Partisan_primary) for those who will be 18 by the [general election](/source/General_election).[48]

### Quebec Separatism

Labranche has repeatedly voiced his support for a free and [independent Quebec](/source/Quebec_sovereignty_movement).[49][50] In May 2022, Labranche gave a speech commemorating [Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day](/source/Saint-Jean-Baptiste_Day) by giving a history of Quebec and calling for independence.[51] Labranche is a member of the pro-independence Bloc Québécois.[24][25]

### Workers' Rights

Labranche is a strong proponent of [workers' rights](/source/Labor_rights). In 2022 Labranche introduced a constitutional amendment that would enshrine the right to join a union in the [New Hampshire Constitution.](/source/Constitution_of_New_Hampshire)[52] in that same year, Labranche introduced a constitutional amendment that would provide "that all workers have a right to a [minimum wage](/source/Minimum_wage) that provides them with well-being and a dignified existence.".[53] Additionally, Labranche introduced a bill to create a commission that would set the minimum wage independent of the legislature.[54] Labranche also co-sponsored a bill to require [time and a half](/source/Time-and-a-half) be paid for workers who work hours previously unscheduled.[55] Labranche also co-sponsored a bill to tax certain large. low-wage employers by imposing a tax on business that employ over 100 persons and pays less than $15 an hour.[56] Labranche also introduced a bill to prohibit [anti-union](/source/Union_busting) activity by employers.[57] Labranche also introduced a bill to require that schools teach [labor history](/source/Labor_history_of_the_United_States).[58] Labranche has repeatedly voted in favor of increasing the minimum wage.[59][60] Labranche has consistently spoke against and voted against [Right-to-Work](/source/Right-to-work_law) legislation.[59]

### Miscellaneous

In 2022, Labranche introduced and passed a bill with bipartisan support to require a student representative from every public high school be on local [school boards](/source/Board_of_education).[61] Labranche also co-sponsored a bill to study imposing a tax on single-use plastics manufacturers.[62]

## References

1. ["Representative Tony Labranche (D)"](http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/default.aspx). *The New Hampshire House of Representatives*. Retrieved 2021-01-11.

1. Flores, Andrew & Gossett, Charles. ["11 openly LGBTQ lawmakers will take their seats in the next Congress. That's a record in both numbers and diversity."](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/30/11-lgbtq-legislators-will-take-their-seats-next-congress-largest-most-diverse-group-ever/). *The Washington Post*. [ISSN 0190-8286](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/0190-8286). Retrieved 2021-11-20.

1. Fortier, Claudia (2020-11-06). ["L'un des plus jeunes élus aux États-Unis a des racines thetfordoises"](http://www.courrierfrontenac.qc.ca/2020/11/06/lun-des-plus-jeunes-elus-aux-etats-unis-a-des-racines-thetfordoises/) (in fr-CA). *Courrier Frontenac*. Retrieved 2021-02-06.

1. Mackin, Jean (2020-11-05). ["18-year-old from Amherst elected to New Hampshire state house"](https://www.wmur.com/article/18-year-old-from-amherst-elected-to-new-hampshire-state-house/34580050). *WMUR*. Retrieved 2021-01-11.

1. Labranche, Tony. ["Tony Labranche: Who I am and Why I'm Running"](https://shsclaw.sprise.com/8509/all/showcase/tony-labranche-who-i-am-and-why-im-running/). *The Claw*

1. ["Tony Labranche - Hills. District 22"](https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/member.aspx?member=409004). *NH General Court*

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1. ["Tony Labranche, Amherst School Board Candidate"](https://patch.com/new-hampshire/amherst/tony-labranche-amherst-school-board-candidate). *Amherst, NH Patch*. 2021-05-29. Retrieved 2021-11-18.

1. Djajapranata, Cliff (2025-05-14). ["Former State Rep, Soon-to-Be Alumnus Wants to See More Young People Run for Office"](https://www.georgetown.edu/news/student-feature-tony-labranche/). *Georgetown University*. Retrieved 2025-07-21.

1. Sylvia, Andrew (2020-04-28). ["Two Manchester residents selected as DNC Delegates"](https://manchesterinklink.com/two-manchester-residents-selected-as-dnc-delegates/). *manchesterinklink.com*. Retrieved 2021-11-20.

1. Summerson, Mia (April 27, 2020). ["New Hampshire Democrats elect convention delegates virtually"](https://www.sentinelsource.com/news/local/new-hampshire-democrats-elect-convention-delegates-virtually/article_dc0dcdaf-b3bd-5824-bddc-5bc58294ba42.html). *SentinelSource.com*. Retrieved 2021-11-20.

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1. Houghton, Kimberly (November 5, 2020). ["Amherst teen elected to state legislature"](https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/voters/amherst-teen-elected-to-state-legislature/article_76917751-c564-508e-a673-512360cb3c81.html). *UnionLeader.com*. Retrieved 2021-01-11.

1. ["Meet New N.H. Lawmakers: Rep. Tony Labranche From Amherst"](https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2020-11-23/meet-new-n-h-lawmakers-rep-tony-labranche-from-amherst). *New Hampshire Public Radio*. 2020-11-23. Retrieved 2024-03-14.

1. ["Calendar and Journal of the 2021 Session No. 5"](https://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Calendars\2021\No%2005%20December%2031%202020.PDF). Retrieved February 17, 2024.

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1. Labranche, Tony (January 19, 2022). "Today I announce my departure from the @NHDems to caucus as an independent for the remainder of my term. Below is the press release on why I left the party. #NHPolitics #DemExit". No. 1483914439116173318. Retrieved September 1, 2024.

1. Graham, Michael (2022-02-18). ["House Dems Try, Fail to Silence Critic During Chaotic House Session"](https://nhjournal.com/house-dems-try-fail-to-silence-critic-during-chaotic-house-session/). *NH Journal*. Retrieved 2024-02-18.

1. ["'This afternoon I will officially leave the Democratic party to affiliate as an independent' | Manchester Ink Link"](https://manchesterinklink.com/this-afternoon-i-will-officially-leave-the-democratic-party-to-affiliate-as-an-independent/). 2022-01-19. Retrieved 2024-02-18.

1. ["RDSE 17-18.pdf"](http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/aboutthehouse/RDSE%2017-18.pdf). *[New Hampshire General Court](/source/New_Hampshire_General_Court)*. 2022-09-11. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221103015631/https://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/aboutthehouse/RDSE%2017-18.pdf) 2022-11-03 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2023-12-29.

1. ["Updated: Former NH state rep seeks to become NH House Speaker, Wilhelm responds | Manchester Ink Link"](https://manchesterinklink.com/former-nh-state-rep-seeks-to-become-nh-house-speaker/). *manchesterinklink.com*. 2022-12-03. Retrieved 2024-01-06.

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1. ["District Level Delegate Caucus Results"](https://www.nhdp.org/_files/ugd/696cec_3b304d6d8bd9428bbea1a3d7ab3e208a.pdf). *[New Hampshire Democratic Party](/source/New_Hampshire_Democratic_Party)*. January 6, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.

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1. ["Hon. Tony Labranche"](https://x.com/tonylabranche/status/1890230058100666703). *Twitter*

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1. ["House Bill 511 text"](https://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2021&id=732&txtFormat=html)

1. ["House Bill 1349"](https://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1711&txtFormat=html)

1. Jaeger, Kyle (2021-12-29). ["New Hampshire Lawmakers File Psilocybin And Broader Drug Decriminalization Bills For 2022"](https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-hampshire-lawmakers-file-psilocybin-and-broader-drug-decriminalization-bills-for-2022/). *Marijuana Moment*. Retrieved 2024-02-15.

1. Steer, Daymond (2022-01-14). ["House bill would decriminalize hallucinogenic mushrooms"](https://www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/house-bill-would-decriminalize-hallucinogenic-mushrooms/article_5859bf76-73d4-11ec-bf40-873c13720fb9.html). *The Conway Daily Sun*. Retrieved 2024-02-18.

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1. ["HOUSE JOURNAL NO. 13"](https://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/calendars_journals/viewer.aspx?fileName=Journals\2022\HJ%2014%20May%2026,%202022.PDF)

1. Labranche, Tony (July 1, 2023). "Vive le Québec Libre, Vive le Québec Indépendant!" [Long live Free Quebec, Long live Independent Quebec!] (in fr-CA). No. 1675238943552356352. Retrieved September 1, 2024.

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1. ["HB 1403"](https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1810&txtFormat=html). *New Hampshire General Court*

1. ["HOUSE BILL 1053"](https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1231&txtFormat=html). *The New Hampshire General Court*

1. ["HOUSE BILL 1478-FN-A"](https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1229&txtFormat=html). *The New Hampshire General Court*

1. ["HB 1472"](https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1721&txtFormat=html). *New Hampshire General Court*

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1. ["New Hampshire General Court 2021 Legislator Voting Record"](https://gencourt.state.nh.us/nhgcrollcalls/rollcallsbylegislator.aspx). *The General Court of New Hampshire*

1. ["New Hampshire General Court 2022 Legislator Voting Record"](https://gencourt.state.nh.us/nhgcrollcalls/rollcallsbylegislator.aspx). *The General Court of New Hampshire*

1. ["HB 1381"](https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1626&txtFormat=html). *The New Hampshire General Court*

1. ["HOUSE BILL 1338"](https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2022&id=1643&txtFormat=html). *The New Hampshire General Court*

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Tony Labranche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Labranche) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Labranche?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.