Former American Idol Runner-up Clay Aiken Reportedly Considering Run for Congress

In North Carolina, as a Democrat

Former "American Idol" runner-up and reality TV personality Clay Aiken is taking steps toward a run for Congress, according to the Washington Blade.

Aiken, an openly gay man, would be vying for the seat currently held by second-term GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers.

The Blade, citing a Democratic source familiar with his plans, reports the 35-year-old Raleigh native has been working with Betsy Conti, a political strategist who's worked for Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore.