Clay Aiken, American Idol Runner-up, Announces He’s Running for Congress

02.27.2014 | News | Jerome Hudson |

Former “American Idol” runner-up Clay Aiken turned in his paperwork at the State Board of Elections today. Akin is running in the 2nd District against the seat’s current occupant Republican Renee Ellmers.

Klay Aiken, 35, an openly gay, government-centric liberal Democrat, and who was born and raised in Raliegh, North Carolina will have to win the Democratic primary less than 10 weeks away.

“I am comfortable with myself. I am comfortable with the campaign we’re running,” Aiken said. “I am positive that people are going to vote for the person who they think will do the best job, who they think can win in November.”

Aiken’s campaign page covers a mix of issues. He supports raising the minimum wage, planting this political position on emotionally-fertile ground saying, “it is unconscionable that many Americans work 40 hours a week and still do not make enough to support their families.” On jobs and the economy, Aiken’s support for more “investments in infrastructure” is as predictable as it is problematic.

Clay Aiken does, however, support, “cutting payroll taxes in half for the first $5,000,000,” and said lawmakers should, “offer payroll tax holidays for employers that add new workers.” And on education Aiken supports, “tuition tax credits to working adults who return to school,” tax credits that already exist and are used mostly by younger people.

Jerome Hudson

Managing Editor

Jerome Hudson has written for numerous national outlets, including The Hill, National Review, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and was recognized as one of Florida’s emerging stars, having been included in the list “25 Under 30: Florida’s Rising Young Political Class.” Hudson is a Savannah, Ga. native who currently resides in Florida.

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