Introduction
Carol A. Doherty is an American educator and politician serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 3rd Bristol district. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and five terms on the Taunton School Committee.
Early life and career
Doherty was born on February 28, 1942, in Fall River, Massachusetts. A graduate of Westport High School, Doherty received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Boston University and a master's degree in education from Bridgewater State College.
Early in her career, Doherty was a third grade teacher in New Bedford and Taunton before becoming a guidance counselor. During this time, she served as president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association for four years. She would later work as an education and political consultant and hold positions at Lesley College and Northeastern University.
Political career
Early political involvement
In 1988, Doherty ran for the Massachusetts House of Representatives from the 3rd Bristol district. She lost the Democratic primary to Marc Pacheco, who would serve two terms in the House and sixteen terms in the Senate.
In 1992, with Pacheco running for Senate, Doherty again sought the Democratic nomination for the 3rd Bristol district. She placed second among five candidates, falling 82 votes short of Pacheco's eventual successor James H. Fagan.
Later successes
Doherty was elected to the Taunton School Committee in 2011, placing second among eleven candidates. She would be reelected four times.
In 2020, after incumbent Shaunna O'Connell was elected mayor of Taunton, Doherty again ran for the 3rd Bristol district. She defeated businessman Muzi Nazir in the special Democratic primary and Republican Kelly Dooner in the special election on June 2, 2020, which had been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. She was elected to a full term in November 2020 and again in 2022.
Committees
193rd General Court (2023-24)
Source:
- House Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change
- House Committee on Ways and Means
- Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
- Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
- Joint Committee on Election Laws
- Joint Committee on Ways and Means
Personal life
Doherty is married to Dennis Cook. She has resided in Taunton since 1965.
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Carol A.Doherty | 8,011 | 57 | −1 | |
| Republican | Christopher P.Coute | 6,036 | 43 | +1.1 | |
| Total votes | 14,488 | 100 | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Carol A.Doherty | 11,505 | 58 | +0.9 | |
| Republican | Kelly A.Dooner | 8,320 | 41.9 | −1 | |
| Total votes | 20,967 | 99.9 | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Carol A.Doherty | 2,195 | 57.1 | +18.6 | |
| Republican | Kelly A.Dooner | 1,646 | 42.9 | −18.6 | |
| Total votes | 3,850 | 100.0 | |||
| Democratic gain from Republican | |||||