IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Clay Aiken reportedly considering congressional run in North Carolina

Clay Aiken has been pursuing his musical career, but is also a committed activist.
Clay Aiken has been pursuing his musical career, but is also a committed activist.Mitch Haaseth / NBC

Will Clay Aiken go from "American Idol" to American congressman? The season two runner-up from the singing competition series is reportedly considering a bid for Congress in North Carolina's 2nd District, according to the Washington Blade

Sources told The Blade that Aiken, 35, has been making phone calls to key political figures to gauge whether he would have the necessary support to be elected. One source said the singer is "actively considering" the run, and is "sounding and acting like a candidate." 

Aiken has reportedly been working with Raleigh, N.C.-based political strategist Betsy Conti, and was in Washington, D.C., in December to examine polling data.

She has not yet responded to a request for comment.

The seat Aiken seeks is currently held by Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers, who won her seat in 2010 with less than 1 percent of the vote in her district. She defeated Democrat Bob Etheridge, who had been in office since 1997. 

Aiken, a Raleigh, N.C., native who stepped into the spotlight in "Idol" in 2003, has sung on Broadway ("Spamalot"), recorded multiple albums and appeared on TV shows including "Celebrity Apprentice" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." He's also been active in promoting causes including the National Inclusion Project, and was a national ambassador for the United States Fund for UNICEF in 2004. In 2010 he appeared at a Capitol Hill briefing to encourage passage of anti-bullying legislation.

The filing deadline to participate in the primary is Feb. 28. North Carolina's primary will be held on May 6.

A call to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee about Aiken's possible run was not immediately returned, and Aiken's representatives have not yet responded to requests for comments.

As news of his rumored run for office spread, most reactions seemed to be variations of the same theme: Really?!