Clay Aiken performing in Merrillville, Indiana, in 2005

Clay Aiken (born November 30, 1978) is an American singer-songwriter, author and activist.

Aiken was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was a contestant on the second season of American Idol in 2003. He is openly gay.

In 2014, Aiken announced his intentions to run for congress in North Carolina's 2nd congressional district against Republican incumbent Renee Ellmers. He officially filed to run on February 27, 2014.