RALEIGH – After several weeks of speculation, American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken has officially announced he will run for the Democratic nomination for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Renee Ellmers.

Using the modern method of an on-line video, which highlights his and his mothers early struggles, Aiken announced his run focused his life prior to getting what he termed his “golden ticket.”  Aiken finished second to Reuben Studdard in the 2003 American Idol singing competition.

His entrance in the race has already led one other Democrat, Durham attorney Houston Barnes, to abandon his bid and throw his support to Aiken. This leaves the Democratic field to include former state commerce secretary Keith Crisco of Asheboro and licensed professional counselor Toni Morris of Fayetteville.

The Republican Ellmers also faces opposition from Tea Party supported Frank Roche.

Political observers say any Democrat, even someone with Aiken’s star power, would face an uphill battle in a district drawn to favor the GOP.