Clay Aiken Mulling Run for House Seat as Democrat

Clay Aiken didn’t get enough votes to win the top prize on American Idol, but the openly gay singer hopes he fares better in a political contest.

The singer is considering a bid to represent North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House, according to The Washington Blade. Aiken, who would run as a Democrat, has been doing the necessary behind the scenes leg work to make it happen.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the 35-year-old Raleigh native has taken initial steps for a run, including consulting with political operatives in Washington, D.C., about a bid for the seat.

One Democratic source said Aiken  made phone calls to gauge support, talked to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and has met with figures in Raleigh, N.C., about a potential bid. Although it’s unclear when Aiken might formally announce a decision, the source said Aiken is “actively considering” it and “sounding and acting like a candidate.

Aiken has been more vocal on hot-button issues since opening up about his sexual preferences. He recently blasted Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson’s comments about homosexuality as being “built on fear.”