NEW: Doherty Running for Congress

NEW: Doherty Running for Congress

Former State Police Superintendent Brendan Doherty will announce this Thursday he is running for Congress in the First District House seat, interim spokesman Dante Bellini confirmed late today.

Doherty, who is expected to run as a Republican, will face incumbent Democrat David Cicilline.

He also would likely have to first beat former Republican John Loughlin in a GOP primary. Yesterday, Loughlin told GoLocalProv that he would not bow out of a primary with Doherty. "I believe my supporters and I have earned another shot at this race. Further, I believe I have an obligation to provide an alternative to Congressman Cicilline," Loughlin said.

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The announcement comes just months after Doherty stepped down as the head of the State Police. He has since been widely rumored to have an interest in running for Congress—either for the Senate or the House. His announcement also is being made as Loughlin is department for a six-month assignment in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

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