Merle Boucher

Merle Boucher
Minority Leader of the North Dakota House of Representatives
In office 1996–2011
Succeeded by	Jerry Kelsh
Member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from the 9th district
In office 1991–2011
Succeeded by	Marvin E. Nelson
Personal details
Born	(1946-07-19)July 19, 1946 Rolette, North Dakota, U.S.
Died	June 11, 2026(2026-06-11) (aged 79) Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
Party	North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party
Spouse	Susan
Alma mater	North Dakota State University, Mayville State University
Profession	Educator, farmer

Merle Boucher (July 19, 1946 – June 11, 2026) was an American North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party politician who served in the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing the 9th district from 1991 to 2011. He served as Minority Leader from 1996 to 2011.

Boucher sought and lost the Democratic-NPL nomination for governor in 2004 and in 2008, but became the running mate of 2008 nominee Tim Mathern, running on the ticket as the nominee for lieutenant governor. Two years after that ticket lost, Boucher became the Democratic-NPL nominee for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, losing in the 2010 election to incumbent Doug Goehring.

Life and career

Boucher was from Rolette County, North Dakota and attended high school there. He went on to college, taking classes from the State School of Forestry. He then transferred to Mayville State University, where he graduated with a teaching degree in 1970.

He returned to Rolette and taught at the high school for 20 years. After retiring, he became a rancher. He held his family's original Homestead Act claim among other land. He coached the Rolette American Legion baseball team.

Boucher died in Bismarck, North Dakota on June 11, 2026, at the age of 79.

External links

• Representative Merle Boucher, Minority Leader in the North Dakota Legislative Assembly
• Project Vote Smart - Representative Merle Boucher (ND) profile
• Follow the Money - Merle Boucher
  • 20062002 1998 campaign contributions