US singer Clay Aiken, who was a runner-up in the second season of American Idol in 2003, has won the Democratic nomination to run for Congress following the sudden death of his opponent.

The singer (35), who came out as gay in 2008, told of his plans to run for the House of Representatives in North Carolina’s second congressional district in February.

Last week, Aiken challenged an election against Keith Crisco, also a Democratic candidate, when results were too close to call. Both were awaiting news when the tragic sudden death of Crisco occurred after a fall at his home in North Carolina last Monday.

Representatives for the singer, actor and former special education teacher did not respond to requests for comment on his victory, but Aiken’s campaign website later displayed a message in which Aiken called Crisco “a man of honour, character and integrity”.

Aiken will now run as the Democratic nominee against Republican congresswoman Renee Ellmers in November’s congressional elections. In the meantime, a Twitter message from Aiken reads: “I am suspending all activities as we pray for [Crisco’s] family and friends”.