"American Idol's" former runner-up Clay Aiken has officially entered the Congressional race, in hopes of becoming North Carolina's next representative.
Aiken, a Democrat, filed his bid to run for Congress on Thursday, the Associated Press reported, adding that he'll try to free up Washington's gridlock if he wins a spot.
The 35-year-old Raleigh-Durham area resident submitted his papers at the State Board of Elections this week, in hopes of snagging a seat in the 2nd District. The position he's after is currently held by Republican rep Renee Ellmers.
Aiken first publicized his decision to run earlier this month, and now has less than 10 weeks to bolster up support ahead of the Democratic primary.
Although the 2nd District, covering the nine counties west and southwest of Raleigh, is thought to be right-leaning, Aiken said he doesn't think that factor could make or break his campaign.
Aiken urged voters to vote for someone who truly thinks "we're not going to have success just based on one party or the other - that we all have to work together."
Aiken later added that people "are enthusiastic about seeing change."
Although Congressional hopefuls have until Friday to file their bids, a handful of politicians have already submitted paperwork, including former state Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco and counselor Toni Morris.
Aiken, a gay man who has a child with a female friend, said this week that his sexual orientation won't play a part in peoples' decision to vote.
"I am comfortable with myself," he said. "I am comfortable with the campaign we're running. 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."
The performer, who came in close second to Ruben Studdard in the 2003 season of "Idol," has already raised at least $100,000 for his campaign.
