VIDEO: Clay Aiken Officially Announces Run for U.S. Congress

Former "American Idol" runner-up Clay Aiken officially announced his campaign to run for U.S. Congress, representing North Carolina's 2nd congressional district. The Broadway star revealed that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by Rep. Renee Ellmers. Watch his official announcement below!

It is expected that the 35-year-old will be up against former state commerce secretary Keith Crisco of Asheboro as well as licensed professional counselor Toni Morris of Fayetteville in the Democratic primary.

Aiken, who was a teacher of special education in Wake County believes that Washington is currently in a dysfunctional state, and plans to focus his time in office on improving jobs and the economy while emphasizing the importance of education.

About Clay Aiken:

Clay Aiken became a household name while appearing on the second season of American Idol, turning millions of viewers into instant fans. Following American Idol, his debut album Measure of a Manskyrocketed to multi-platinum status. Mr. Aiken has launched ten national concert tours, authored a New York Times best-selling memoir, Learning to Sing: Hearing the Music in Your Life, and released several albums including, Merry Christmas with Love, A Thousand Different Ways and On My Way Here, all of which debuted in the top five on the Billboard chart. Mr. AiKen Starred in a televised Christmas special, A Clay Aiken Christmas and a live concert special in 2010 on PBS Tried & True Live! He has appeared on many popular television shows including Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva, Scrubs,30 Rock and Saturday Night Live.

A frequent talk show guest, particularly on The Tonight Show andJimmy Kimmel Live!, he recently competed in the fifth season of The Celebrity Apprentice. Mr. Aiken garnered broad critical acclaim for his Broadway debut as Sir Robin in the Tony Award winning production of Spamalot in 2008 and 2009.