[2][3][4] A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association and five terms on the Taunton School Committee.

[6] Early in her career, Doherty was a third grade teacher in New Bedford and Taunton before becoming a guidance counselor.

[7][8] She would later work as an education and political consultant and hold positions at Lesley College and Northeastern University.

[10] In 1992, with Pacheco running for Senate, Doherty again sought the Democratic nomination for the 3rd Bristol district.

In 2020, after incumbent Shaunna O'Connell was elected mayor of Taunton, Doherty again ran for the 3rd Bristol district.