Clay Aiken wins Democratic nomination after opponent dies

American Idol

winner Clay Aiken has won the Democratic nomination to run for Congress after his opponent died unexpectedly on Monday (May 12).

Aiken, who was runner-up on the second series of American Idol in 2003 and has released five studio albums, announced his intention to run for the House of Representatives in North Carolina’s second congressional district in February. He came out as gay in 2008.

The 35-year-old contested an election against fellow Democratic candidate Keith Crisco last week, but the results of the vote had been too close to call. The pair were awaiting further results on Tuesday (May 13) when news of Crisco’s sudden death emerged.

The 71-year-old died following a fall at his home in North Carolina.

Aiken has suspended all campaign activities “as we pray for his family and friends.”

“He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man and an extraordinary public servant. I was honoured to know him,” Aiken said in a statement.

Aiken has since been announced as the winner of last week’s election by a margin of just 390 votes. The state Board of Elections said that Aiken held enough lead over the late Keith Crisco to avoid a runoff election.

He will now run as the Democratic nominee against incumbent Republican congresswoman Renee Ellmers in November’s congressional elections.

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