Clay Aiken, the gay singer and runner-up for season two of American Idol, is “actively considering” running for Congress. Two Democratic sources familiar with his plans claim the singer is hoping to represent North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The 35-year-old native of Raleigh, North Carolina has already gauged support through phone calls, spoken with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and met with important figures in Raleigh about his potential bid.
It’s unknown when Aiken might formally announce a decision, but sources say that he has been working with Betsy Conti, a Raleigh-based political strategist who has worked with numerous Democratic politicians in the past.
Neither the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee nor Firm, the management company that has represented Aiken for his music career in the last decade, has commented on the potential candidacy despite numerous requests.
After finishing in second-place during season two of American Idol over a decade ago, Aiken used the prominence he gained from performing on the show to launch a successful music career. He has sold more than six million copies of his albums, making over $1.5 million in 2010 alone.
He has also used his fame and success to help promote causes as an activist. He’s a national ambassador for the United States Fund for UNICEF and has travelled to Afghanistan, Indonesia, Uganda, Mexico, Kenya and Somalia as part of aid missions. He also co-founded the National Inclusion Project which seeks to help children with disabilities.
Himself being gay, Aiken has also taken part in LGBT activism and has urged for passage of anti-bullying legislation with LGBT protections known as the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act.
His fame and history of activism will certainly help him should he chose to run for Congress. However, be the only candidate on the Democratic side to pursue a run for the House seat, which is currently occupied by a Republican. Former North Carolina Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco is expected to formally announce his candidacy on Monday.
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