Former 'American Idol' Runner-up Clay Aiken Loses House Bid

Aiken falls far short in race against Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers.

But with 97 percent of votes counted and with a margin of 59-41 this evening, ABC News projects Ellmers will hold on to her seat in Congress.

Aiken was not able to reverse the tide in the district where Ellmers dethroned seven-term Democratic incumbent Bob Etheridge in 2010.