Former “American Idol” finalist Clay Aiken is actively considering a bid to represent North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to a report by the Washington Blade.
The Blade cites two democratic sources that the openly gay Raleigh, N.C., native has taken initial steps for a run, including consulting with political operatives in Washington, D.C., about a bid for the seat.
One source said Aiken, 35, has been making phone calls to gauge potential support as he works with Betsy Conti, a local political strategist who has worked with Al Gore and former North Carolina Gov. Bev Purdue.
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.”
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He has also been involved with UNICEF since 2004 when he was appointed a U.S. Fund for UNICEF National Ambassador with a focus on ensuring children have access to education.
In 2010, Aiken appeared at a briefing on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to urge for passage of anti-bullying legislation with LGBT protections known as the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act.