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 to be happy. We found opportunity to see a win. Tonight we see quite a few wins as well."
Aiken, 35, threw his hat in the ring in February to go against Keith Crisco in the Democratic primary. Despite a close race, the single dad ultimately moved on to face Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers in the general election after Crisco died suddenly on May 12. The Asheboro Courier-Tribune reported at the time that the 71-year-old appeared to suffer injuries from a fall at his home.
Aiken may have lost, but he's not stepping out of the spotlight just yet. Shortly after his defeat, Esquire Network announced that cameras have been following Aiken's campaign trail since he confirmed his candidacy in February. A four-hour untitled docuseries about his days on the road will air in 2015.
