Clay Aiken Contemplating Congressional Run

Clay Aiken, best known as the runner-up in the second season of American Idol, could potentially be seeking a congressional seat in his native North Carolina.  The 35-year-old singer is reportedly in discussions with some Democratic insiders in Washington about making a bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Aiken would be running to represent the 2nd Congressional District currently filled by Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.). Republican Frank Roche has filed paperwork to challenge Ellmers in the May 6 primary.

Candidates must file their campaign paperwork by Feb. 28.

Aiken reached stardom in 2003 after taking second place in the American Idol singing competition, behind Ruben Studdard. The singer has since released six albums (2003’s Measure of a Man, 2004’s Merry Christmas with Love, 2006’s A Thousand Different Ways and All is Well, 2008’s On My Way Here, 2010’s Tried and True and 2012’s Steadfast) and starred on Broadway in “Spamalot” from 2008 to 2009.

In September 2008, Aiken revealed he was gay and has since become an activist in the LGBT community, most notably supporting anti-bullying legislation.