EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Former state representative and radio host John Loughlin has announced he’s running for lieutenant governor of Rhode Island next year, making him the first Republican to enter the race.
Loughlin, who hosted “The John Loughlin Show” on WPRO-AM for nearly 13 years, broke the news on his show Saturday afternoon before signing off one last time.
“Today, with humility and resolve, I’m proud to announce that I am running for lieutenantgovernor of the state of Rhode Island,” Loughlin said to his listeners. “I want to transform this office—not just occupy it, but redefine it as a true, unwavering voice for all the people, not just political insiders.”
Loughlin, 66, represented R.I. House District 71 from 2005 until 2011. He opted out of seeking another term in 2010 to run for the 1st Congressional District, losing to then-Providence Mayor David Cicilline in a close race following Congressman Patrick Kennedy’s retirement…