Former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken announced Wednesday that he is running for Congress in his home state of North Carolina, Reuters reports.

Aiken is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by Rep. Renee Ellmers.

In a video posted on his campaign website, Aiken stated, "I'm not a politician. I don't ever want to be one." He positioned himself as a political outsider who wants to add his voice to help people in need and says if elected, he will focus on jobs and education.

The 35-year-old is a former special-education teacher who decided to step away from the entertainment world to represent North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District.

Aiken's expected to run against former state commerce secretary Keith Crisco of Asheboro and licensed counselor Toni Morris of Fayetteville in the Democratic primary.

 

 

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