Former American Idol contestant, Clay Aiken, is eyeing a congressional run in his home state of North Carolina. He has not confirmed reports, but insiders say Aiken has been in discussions with political figures about a possible bid.
The 35-year-old openly gay singer has reportedly been working with Raleigh-based political strategist Betsy Conti, who has previously worked with Al Gore and former North Carolina Gov. Bev Purdue. Aiken is rumored to be “actively considering” a bid and has even been making phone calls to drum up support and talked to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Two democratic sources have told Washington Blade that Aiken is already “sounding and acting like a candidate.”
Neither DCCC or Conti have responded to request for comment, but insiders close to the situation said Aiken made a trip to Washington D.C. last month to learn more about polling data at Hart Research Associates.
According to Daily News, Aiken became famous in 2003 when he became a runner-up on the hit FOX show behind Ruben Studdard. He is an ambassador for UNICEF and a gay rights activist with a focus in anti-bullying.
Aiken has starred in Broadway’s Spamalot and has released six solo albums to date.
image: Wikimedia Commons
