Clay Aiken Running For Congress is High Camp

“American Idol” contestant Clay Aiken is officially running for Congress. Maybe this time he’ll do better than second place?

Aiken is running for representative of North Carolina’s newly drawn sixth district, which includes Durham and Chapel Hill. Rep. David E. Price, a Democrat who currently represents much of that area, announced his retirement in October, leaving a vacancy that Dems like Aiken are eager to fill. 

“As a loud and proud Democrat, I intend to use my voice to deliver real results for North Carolina families, just like David Price has done for decades,” Aiken writes on his new website. “I’ll always stand up for my principles and fight for inclusion, income equality, free access to quality health care, and combating climate change.”

Aiken also ran for Congress in 2014, but his real claim to fame is as the runner-up of “American Idol”’s second season, which he lost to Ruben Studdard in 2003. 

“North Carolinians are worried about affordable health care and rapid inflation,” Aiken continues on his website. “They are worried about their retirement savings and are frustrated by crowded interstates and infrastructure that hasn’t kept up with our rapid growth. These are the issues that matter, and these are the issues I will focus on in Congress.”

Aiken doesn’t have the best track record as far as winning America’s votes … but the third time could be the charm. That’s up to North Carolina. And if he loses, maybe we’ll get another banger holiday album as a rebound.