Clay Aiken officially joining NC Congress race

RALEIGH, N.C. — (AP) Singer and actor Clay Aiken is now officially making the switch to wear the hat of a North Carolina congressional candidate.

The former "American Idol" runner-up planned Thursday to file his candidacy papers in Raleigh for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers.

Aiken is a Democrat and will face a May primary against at least two other candidates -- former state Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco of Asheboro and licensed professional counselor Toni Morris of Fayetteville.

Aiken lives in Chatham County and grew up in Raleigh. He has said his non-singing background -- he was a special education teacher -- led him to get in the race. He's already got a campaign team and says he's raised more than $100,000 since announcing three weeks ago.

WSOC