Clay Aiken of “American Idol” fame announced on Wednesday he’s making a run for Rep. Renee Ellmers’ North Carolina congressional seat.
Fox News reported Mr. Aiken issued a critical video of Ms. Ellmers that was posted online.
“For most Americans, there are no golden tickets,” Mr. Aiken said, in the video. “At least not like the kind you see on TV. More families are struggling today than at any time in our history. And here in North Carolina, we’ve suffered more than our share of pain.”
Mr. Aiken plans to run as a Democrat; Ms. Ellmers, who won the seat in 2010, is a Republican.
The singer lost in the second season of “American Idol” to Ruben Studdard. Mr. Aiken has since launched a successful music career, however, selling several albums and appearing in numerous high-profile television spots.
He’s also worked with UNICEF since 2004 and is a U.S. Fund for UNICEF National Ambassador to help children in other countries — including Uganda, Afghanistan, Somalia and Kenya — obtain education.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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