In 1967, Branton faced a stiff renomination fight from Springhill attorney and former mayor and school board member Charles McConnell, who carried the support of Governor John McKeithen, an easy winner in his own primary for a second term against U.S. Representative John Rarick.
After his last election to the House, Branton joined two Democratic colleagues from Shreveport, Algie D. Brown and Frank Fulco, in opposition to approved legislative pay raises.