Former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken has officially launched a bid for Congress.
In a campaign video posted online Wednesday, Aiken (a Democrat) announced his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives representing North Carolina’s 2nd district, a seat currently held by Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers.
Aiken shot the video in the house where he lived as a baby, when his mother took refuge with a friend to escape his abusive father. He cited those rough childhood years that shaped him as part of the reason he wanted to run for Congress.
He also cited his time as a special needs teacher and work with UNICEF and in the Bush Administration as qualifications, and a desire to help military families in the state. Though he didn’t specifically address his time on “Idol,” he alluded to it by saying “For most Americans there are no golden tickets – at least not the kind you see on TV.”
News that Aiken was exploring a run for Congress was first reported last month, though he did not confirm it until Wednesday.