BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A former North Dakota Democratic state legislator and aide to U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan says she's running for the U.S. House.

Pam Gulleson said she plans to make her announcement Thursday in her home town of Rutland, in Sargent County in North Dakota's southeastern corner. Gulleson is the first declared Democratic candidate for any statewide office next year.

Republican Public Service Commissioner Brian Kalk is seeking the GOP endorsement to run for the House. Gulleson had been mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate. Incumbent Kent Conrad is leaving next year.

Gulleson served in the North Dakota House for 16 years and is a former Democratic House assistant floor leader. She was director of Dorgan's Senate staff in North Dakota until Dorgan left office last year.