Washington, DC – Today, Equality PAC Co-Chairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) announced the endorsement of Clay Aiken for North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District. Aiken is running to succeed Congressman David Price, who is retiring at the end of the 117th Congress. If elected, Aiken would be the first openly LGBTQ representative elected from the South — along with other Equality PAC endorsed LGBTQ congressional candidates Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in North Carolina and Michele Rayner in Florida.
“Clay’s historic campaign not only tells kids across North Carolina that they are welcome and safe, but it also demonstrates to LGBTQ persons in every corner of our country that loud, hateful rhetoric isn’t who we are as Americans,” said Equality PAC Co-Chair Chairman Mark Takano. “This country is inclusive and safe for everyone to be who they are and to love who they love. From Clay’s time on American Idol to his founding of The National Inclusion Project, Clay has used his voice to speak out for those who often go unheard. He will be a powerful opponent of destructive rhetoric in Congress and — just like David Price — he’ll deliver real results for the Triangle.”
“North Carolina is losing a huge advocate with David Price’s retirement,” said Equality PAC Co-Chair Congressman David Cicilline. “That’s why Equality PAC is going all in to elect Clay Aiken to Congress. Over the last 35 years, Congressman Price has delivered for the Triangle, and it will take a strong voice like Clay’s to continue that legacy. Clay will be an outspoken progressive leader in North Carolina, shining a spotlight on the issues that matter most: fixing income inequality, securing voting rights and free healthcare, and protecting a woman’s right to choose.”
“I’m grateful to have Equality PAC and strong progressive leaders with me as we seek to fill the enormous void for North Carolina David Price will leave,” said Clay Aiken. “Our area has benefitted from results-oriented representation for 35 years, and that’s a legacy I intend to carry on in Congress. We’ve seen dramatic and exciting growth in the Triangle, but with that comes challenges. I will focus on fixing income inequality while improving our overburdened infrastructure, securing voting rights and free healthcare, and — as we await the Supreme Court’s decision — I will not stop protecting a woman’s right to choose. I want my candidacy to show the country that North Carolina is an inclusive and warm community. My fellow North Carolinians have given me a platform and immense opportunities for 20 years, now I want to use my voice to give back.”
Clay Aiken, 43, is a 10th generation North Carolinian who was born, raised and currently resides in Wake County, NC – part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle. Aiken studied and taught special education prior to his appearance on American Idol in 2003. He went on to use his platform to become an advocate for full inclusion of children with special needs, including founding The National Inclusion Project. Aiken has also advocated for humanitarian efforts in war-torn and tragedy-stricken countries on behalf of UNICEF as a National Goodwill Ambassador. Aiken is a lifelong Democrat running in the newly drawn NC-06. The region’s current congressperson, Rep. David Price, announced his retirement in October after serving in Congress since 1987.
Equality PAC is the political arm of the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus and is dedicated to the full legal and societal equality for LGBTQ Americans. All funds raised into Equality PAC are spent supporting and electing openly LGBTQ individuals and strong LGBTQ allies to the United States Congress who are committed to passing the Equality ACT and to ensuring full civil rights and protections for all LGBTQ Americans.
To learn more about Clay Aiken and his campaign, please visit his website here.
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