Clay Aiken, the former American Idol star and political activist, on Monday announced another run for Congress, as he seeks a seat in North Carolina.
Aiken is running in a district that includes Durham, and includes territory represented by Rep. David Price (D-nc), who is retiring.
In an announcement video, Aiken said, “As Democrats we have got to get better about speaking up and using our voices, cause those folks ain’t quieting down any time soon.” He was referring to GOP figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert and Madison Cawthorn, who have drawn attention for their harsh rhetoric.
Aiken ran for Congress in 2014, but was defeated in the general election by Republican Renee Ellmers.
This time around, Aiken is running in a district that leans more to the left. Cook Political Report has rated the seat as “solid Democratic.” Aiken, though, faces a long list of rivals for the Democratic nomination,...
Aiken is running in a district that includes Durham, and includes territory represented by Rep. David Price (D-nc), who is retiring.
In an announcement video, Aiken said, “As Democrats we have got to get better about speaking up and using our voices, cause those folks ain’t quieting down any time soon.” He was referring to GOP figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert and Madison Cawthorn, who have drawn attention for their harsh rhetoric.
Aiken ran for Congress in 2014, but was defeated in the general election by Republican Renee Ellmers.
This time around, Aiken is running in a district that leans more to the left. Cook Political Report has rated the seat as “solid Democratic.” Aiken, though, faces a long list of rivals for the Democratic nomination,...
- 1/10/2022
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Caitlyn Jenner is praising Donald Trump for keeping his promises.
The reality star revealed on Tuesday that she actually visited the Trump Tower in New York City to use the bathroom after Trump told Today last week that transgender people – including Jenner – should be able to use the restroom of their choosing.
"This toast, actually started, in a bathroom. Actually, bathroom issues right now in my life seem to be in the forefront," Jenner said during her speech at the Time 100 Gala in New York City, where she was an honoree. "Actually, on that issue I just want to say...
The reality star revealed on Tuesday that she actually visited the Trump Tower in New York City to use the bathroom after Trump told Today last week that transgender people – including Jenner – should be able to use the restroom of their choosing.
"This toast, actually started, in a bathroom. Actually, bathroom issues right now in my life seem to be in the forefront," Jenner said during her speech at the Time 100 Gala in New York City, where she was an honoree. "Actually, on that issue I just want to say...
- 4/27/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble, @lekimble
- People.com - TV Watch
Caitlyn Jenner is praising Donald Trump for keeping his promises. The reality star revealed on Tuesday that she actually visited the Trump Tower in New York City to use the bathroom after Trump told Today last week that transgender people - including Jenner - should be able to use the restroom of their choosing. "This toast, actually started, in a bathroom. Actually, bathroom issues right now in my life seem to be in the forefront," Jenner said during her speech at the Time 100 Gala in New York City, where she was an honoree. "Actually, on that issue I just want...
- 4/27/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble, @lekimble
- PEOPLE.com
Caitlyn Jenner is praising Donald Trump for keeping his promises. The reality star revealed on Tuesday that she actually visited the Trump Tower in New York City to use the bathroom after Trump told Today last week that transgender people - including Jenner - should be able to use the restroom of their choosing. "This toast, actually started, in a bathroom. Actually, bathroom issues right now in my life seem to be in the forefront," Jenner said during her speech at the Time 100 Gala in New York City, where she was an honoree. "Actually, on that issue I just want...
- 4/27/2016
- by Lindsay Kimble, @lekimble
- PEOPLE.com
There's no better way to celebrate sweeping primaries in five states than attending the Time 100 Gala in New York City. On Tuesday, Donald Trump and wife Melania, dressed in Mugler, attended the star-studded soiree honoring the 2016 crop of the publication's most influential people. In the issue, Trump, 69, was honored as a "ferocious leader" and "rule breaker" by Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-nc). "Frankly, the U.S. is in desperate need of a leader like Trump who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo and ruffle the appropriate feathers in order to get our country back on the right track," Ellmers wrote for Trump's profile.
- 4/27/2016
- by Karen Mizoguchi and Jeffrey Slonim
- PEOPLE.com
There's no better way to celebrate sweeping primaries in five states than attending the Time 100 Gala in New York City. On Tuesday, Donald Trump and wife Melania, dressed in Mugler, attended the star-studded soiree honoring the 2016 crop of the publication's most influential people. In the issue, Trump, 69, was honored as a "ferocious leader" and "rule breaker" by Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-nc). "Frankly, the U.S. is in desperate need of a leader like Trump who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo and ruffle the appropriate feathers in order to get our country back on the right track," Ellmers wrote for Trump's profile.
- 4/27/2016
- by Karen Mizoguchi and Jeffrey Slonim
- PEOPLE.com
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers thanked fellow Republicans for their support on Friday, after many received emails alleging an affair between her and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Kevin McCarthy and Renee Ellmers Deny Affair Rep. Ellmers reportedly stood up to speak in an open-microphone portion of a closed-door House meeting being held the morning after McCarthy […]
The post Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Renee Ellmers Deny Affair Allegations appeared first on uInterview.
The post Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Renee Ellmers Deny Affair Allegations appeared first on uInterview.
- 10/10/2015
- by Shantel Whitaker
- Uinterview
From the American Idol stage to the political one, Clay Aiken has had quite the interesting journey in the spotlight. Esquire's new documentary series The Runner-Up will reveal an exclusive, all-access, behind-the-scenes look at the former AI contestant's Congressional run. While Aiken didn't end up winning (he lost this past November to incumbent Republican Congresswoman Renee Ellmers), he did lead a roller coaster of a unique campaign, and the docu-series was there to catch every moment of it from his bid to represent North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District through his shocking primary election which he won after Aiken's Democratic opponent suddenly died. "I feel like we...
- 1/16/2015
- E! Online
Clay Aiken's congressional bid may have ended in disappointment Nov. 4, but his campaign will live on. In early 2015, the Esquire Network will air a four-hour docuseries on the race — which ended with Gop incumbent Renee Ellmers' 18-point win — from Lightbox's Simon and Jonathan Chinn, who compare their series to such sober fare as The War Room and Mitt. Read more Complete Guide to TV Premiere Dates 2014 The project came together in February after Jonathan flew to Aiken's North Carolina campaign headquarters to court the American Idol alum, whom he found to be "intelligent, highly
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- 11/12/2014
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Clay Aiken, perhaps the most famous second-place finalist on American Idol (he was runner-up to Ruben Studdard in Season 2), came in second once again yesterday when North Carolina voters chose not to elect him to the House, opting to stick with incumbent representative Renee Ellmers. Had he won in the predominantly Republican 2nd Congressional District, Aiken, who ran as a Democrat, would have been the South’s first openly gay representative in Congress. The drama of Clay Aiken’s improbable congressional campaign will be chronicled in a four-hour documentary series for Esquire Network, set to premiere on the cable channel in … Continue reading →
The post Esquire Network documentary series to chronicle Clay Aiken’s congressional campaign appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post Esquire Network documentary series to chronicle Clay Aiken’s congressional campaign appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 11/5/2014
- by Jeff Pfeiffer
- ChannelGuideMag
Clay Aiken may have lost the congressional race in North Carolina, but he gained a consolation prize in the process: a four-hour docu-series. As the Associated Press reports, incumbent Republican candidate U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers defeated Aiken in the race to represent North Carolina's 2nd Congressional District. After Aiken's defeat, Esquire announced late Tuesday night that they will be airing a four-hour docu-series centered around Aiken's campaign. The series will be produced by Lightbox's Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn, and Mitchell Tanen. According to the Esquire press release, the documentary will follow Aiken's campaign from his announcement for candidacy in...
- 11/5/2014
- by Teresa Jue
- EW.com - PopWatch
Singer and American Idol season two runner-up Clay Aiken will not be adding member of Congress to his résumé this year. Last night Clay lost the Congressional race in North Carolina to the incumbent, Republican Renee Ellmers, who captured 56 percent of the district vote. The musician's bid for Congress first caught national attention when he shared this emotional campaign video last February. Clay secured the Democratic primary in May. Clay, who is both gay and Southern Baptist, would have been the first openly gay member of Congress elected from the South. Sadly, it seems that though the American Idol alum has a strong following, his "Claymates" just weren't enough to help him clinch the vote.
- 11/5/2014
- by Aemilia-Madden
- Popsugar.com
Clay Aiken is a perennial runner-up. The "Invisible" singer, who lost to Ruben Studdard during the second season of American Idol, ran for Congress as a Democrat in North Carolina's second congressional district this year. He was defeated Tuesday by incumbent Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers, who claimed 56 percent of the district's vote. Ellmers, who was first elected in 2010, was considered the favorite in the conservative district. Had he won, Aiken, 35, would have been the first openly gay congressman elected from the South. He announced his candidacy in February. The campaign was marked by tragedy, as Keith Crisco, a former North Carolina Commerce Secretary and businessman, died...
- 11/5/2014
- E! Online
He's a runner-up once more. Clay Aiken was defeated by Rep. Renee Ellmers in his Congressional bid for North Carolina's 2nd District on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The 2003 American Idol contestant — who also placed second during season 2, where Ruben Studdard was crowned the winner — acknowledged how history repeated itself during a speech to his supporters. "About 11 years ago, after American Idol, we came up short in another vote," the Democrat said after his loss on Nov. 4. "We found reason [...]...
- 11/5/2014
- Us Weekly
Clay Aiken, American Idol finalist, lost his bid to represent North Carolina in Congress on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Clay Aiken Loses Race For Congress
Aiken ran as a Democrat in North Carolina’s second district against incumbent Republican Renee Ellmers, who won with 58.1% of the vote.
Clay Aiken loses bid for Congress. #NBCPolitics pic.twitter.com/WA9HZJBXOj
— Today (@TODAYshow) November 5, 2014
Ellmers was first elected to Congress in 2010, and was the favorite going into these midterm elections.
Waiting in line to vote! Glad my mom could join me for this big day. #nc02 #ncpol
A photo posted by Clay Aiken (@clayfornc) on
Nov 11, 2014 at 5:07am Pst
Aiken famously came in second during his season of American Idol, losing to Reuben Studdard, and people were quick to joke about his apparent trend of coming in second. Even Aiken himself joked about his well-known loss in his concession speech, saying, “The result...
Clay Aiken Loses Race For Congress
Aiken ran as a Democrat in North Carolina’s second district against incumbent Republican Renee Ellmers, who won with 58.1% of the vote.
Clay Aiken loses bid for Congress. #NBCPolitics pic.twitter.com/WA9HZJBXOj
— Today (@TODAYshow) November 5, 2014
Ellmers was first elected to Congress in 2010, and was the favorite going into these midterm elections.
Waiting in line to vote! Glad my mom could join me for this big day. #nc02 #ncpol
A photo posted by Clay Aiken (@clayfornc) on
Nov 11, 2014 at 5:07am Pst
Aiken famously came in second during his season of American Idol, losing to Reuben Studdard, and people were quick to joke about his apparent trend of coming in second. Even Aiken himself joked about his well-known loss in his concession speech, saying, “The result...
- 11/5/2014
- Uinterview
Clay Aiken is a runner-up once again. The 35-year-old American Idol alum has been projected to lose to incumbent Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-n.C.) in his bid for a seat in the House. See more 'American Idol' Finalists: Where Are They Now? According to the Associated Press, Ellmers is leading Aiken 56 percent to 44 percent on Tuesday evening, giving Ellmers her third term representing North Carolina's second District. Ellmers had maintained a lead throughout the campaign, according to The Hill. In what may have been a bad omen for Aiken, his campaign
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- 11/5/2014
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Like Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger before him, Clay Aiken wants to make the leap from entertainment to politics. But he won't land softly in a congressional seat if his opponent, Renee Ellmers, can help it. Aiken, a Democrat, and Ellmers, the Republican two-term incumbent, squared off Monday in the only head-to-head debate in the race to represent the second congressional district in North Carolina. While Ellmers dismissed the former American Idol contestant, 35, as an "entertainer," Aiken was not afraid to rebuff her as the two tersely interrupted each other throughout the heated debate. "The most embarrassing reality show in...
- 10/7/2014
- by Sheila Cosgrove Baylis, @sheilabot
- PEOPLE.com
Like Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger before him, Clay Aiken wants to make the leap from entertainment to politics. But he won't land softly in a congressional seat if his opponent, Renee Ellmers, can help it. Aiken, a Democrat, and Ellmers, the Republican two-term incumbent, squared off Monday in the only head-to-head debate in the race to represent the second congressional district in North Carolina. While Ellmers dismissed the former American Idol contestant, 35, as an "entertainer," Aiken was not afraid to rebuff her as the two tersely interrupted each other throughout the heated debate. "The most embarrassing reality show in...
- 10/7/2014
- by Sheila Cosgrove Baylis, @sheilabot
- PEOPLE.com
Raleigh, N.C. (AP) — "American Idol" singer Clay Aiken won what had been a hotly contested Democratic primary for a North Carolina congressional seat according to a final, unofficial vote count that was posted Tuesday, a day after the accidental death of his closest rival. Aiken will face Republican incumbent Renee Ellmers in November in the Gop-leaning district where Mitt Romney won nearly six in 10 votes in 2012. Ellmers won by 56 percent that year and is looking for a third term. The county-by-county tally of the 2nd Congressional District race posted by the state Tuesday confirmed Aiken got more than 40 percent of the vote needed to win the three-candidate race. On Monday, second-place finisher Keith Crisco, 71, died after falling at his home. Hours earlier, campaign manager Christine Botta said they had counted the absentee votes in two key counties, forcing Crisco to acknowledge defeat. He had decided to concede his loss to Aiken on Tuesday,...
- 5/13/2014
- by AP Staff
- Hitfix
A North Carolina textile entrepreneur locked in a too-close-to-call Democratic Party primary with former American Idol singer Clay Aiken has died. Keith Crisco, 71, died from "some type of fall" at his home, according to Robert Lawson, president of Aec Narrow Fabrics, the textile company Crisco founded. Crisco's sons, who work for the company, told Lawson about their dad's death. "I am stunned and deeply saddened by Keith Crisco’s death. Keith came from humble beginnings. No matter how high he rose - to Harvard, to the White House and to the Governor's Cabinet - he never forgot where he came from,...
- 5/12/2014
- by The Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
Clay Aiken's built a successful career in Hollywood after being American Idol's runner-up in 2003, but now that he's in real politics, he has to win first place to keep moving forward towards a seat in Congress. As of Wednesday morning, the North Carolina Democratic congressional primary race between Aiken and textile entrepreneur and former state commerce secretary Keith Crisco was too close to call, per NBC News. Both Aiken and his opponent had about 40 percent of the vote, and were trailed by licensed professional counselor Toni Morris. The winner of North Carolina's Democratic congressional primary race will face incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers in November. So why is...
- 5/7/2014
- E! Online
Clay Aiken, the singer who got his start on American Idol, has won the Democratic primary in the race for one of North Carolina’s seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Clay Aiken Wins Democratic Primary
In order to win the primary, Aiken had to defeat former state Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco and family counselor Tony Morris, who’d lost the nomination in a previous election cycle. A Raleigh native, Aiken will now have to campaign against two-term Republican incumbent Rep. Renee Ellmers for the November election, reported the Star Ledger.
Though Aiken’s win in the primary was no small feat, having just barely edged out Crisco, winning against Ellmers will be a far more difficult task. The 2nd Congressional District in North Carolina in which Aiken is running – which includes suburbs of Raleigh and Fayetteville – leans heavily Republican. In the primary, Ellmers received nearly the same...
Clay Aiken Wins Democratic Primary
In order to win the primary, Aiken had to defeat former state Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco and family counselor Tony Morris, who’d lost the nomination in a previous election cycle. A Raleigh native, Aiken will now have to campaign against two-term Republican incumbent Rep. Renee Ellmers for the November election, reported the Star Ledger.
Though Aiken’s win in the primary was no small feat, having just barely edged out Crisco, winning against Ellmers will be a far more difficult task. The 2nd Congressional District in North Carolina in which Aiken is running – which includes suburbs of Raleigh and Fayetteville – leans heavily Republican. In the primary, Ellmers received nearly the same...
- 5/7/2014
- Uinterview
Stephen Colbert isn't endorsing Clay Aiken's run for Congress. Aiken is running in his home state of North Carolina. Colbert, a South Carolina native, welcomed the “American Idol” runner-up to “The Colbert Report” Wednesday — but didn't show him much Southern hospitality. Also read: Stephen Colbert Sings the Ballad of Racist Nevada Rancher Cliven Bundy (Video) “I think people are kind of fed up with the kind of tone-deaf representation they've had,” Aiken said. “Tone-deaf? Just because you have perfect pitch? That's kind of cheap,” Colbert retorted. Aiken, a Democrat, hopes to beat incumbent Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers in a heavily Republican district.
- 5/1/2014
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Gabourey Sadibe and the gay mimes, The Muppets sing “We’re Doing a Sequel,” Disney World dumps Boy Scout sponsorship
Matthew Morrison is set to star in Harvey Weinstein’s stage production of Finding Neverland. Because when you think of someone to step into the role Johnny Depp played, you automatically think of Matthew Morrison.
As these Right To Discriminate laws pop up (and hopefully die) all over the country, it’s important to remember that no so long ago, “religious liberty” was also used as an excuse for racism.
Clay Aiken has officially filed the papers to run for Congress in the 2nd District in North Carolina against incumbent Republican Renee Ellmers, assuming he makes it out of a crowded Democratic primary.
Ellen Burstyn is set to star as the lesbian aunt in the Amy Poehler produced sitcom Old Soul, about a woman who takes care of elderly people...
Matthew Morrison is set to star in Harvey Weinstein’s stage production of Finding Neverland. Because when you think of someone to step into the role Johnny Depp played, you automatically think of Matthew Morrison.
As these Right To Discriminate laws pop up (and hopefully die) all over the country, it’s important to remember that no so long ago, “religious liberty” was also used as an excuse for racism.
Clay Aiken has officially filed the papers to run for Congress in the 2nd District in North Carolina against incumbent Republican Renee Ellmers, assuming he makes it out of a crowded Democratic primary.
Ellen Burstyn is set to star as the lesbian aunt in the Amy Poehler produced sitcom Old Soul, about a woman who takes care of elderly people...
- 2/28/2014
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Clay Aiken has taken the first official step toward a career in D.C. politics. On Thursday, the “American Idol” alum officially filed to run for congress representing North Carolina by submitting his paperwork at the State Board of Elections in Raleigh, N.C. Additionally, Aiken launched a campaign fundraising site. “I am honored to be joined by my Mom and teachers who shaped My values as I declare,” Aiken, 35, tweeted to his more than 51,000 followers. Also read: Clay Aiken Running for Congress He’ll be running for the 2nd District seat currently held by Republican Renee Ellmers. But first,...
- 2/27/2014
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Clay Aiken will officially file for his run at a congressional seat in North Carolina Thursday morning. On Wednesday evening, the Idol alum tweeted his intentions to file, along with a solicitation to donate funds to his campaign. Photos: 20 Biggest Political Players in Hollywood In a follow-up tweet, Aiken said his campaign has set a goal to raise $20,000 this week, adding: "Excited to file in the morning. Stand with me if you can." Aiken is running for the House of Representatives seat in North Carolina's second district, looking to unseat second-term Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers.
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- 2/27/2014
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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