Clay Aiken’s Democratic opponent, 71 years old Keith Crisco, died on Monday after sustaining injuries from a fall in his home.
“I am stunned and deeply saddened by Keith Crisco’s death,” Aiken said. “Keith came from humble beginnings. No matter how high he rose – to Harvard, to the White House and to the Governor’s Cabinet – he never forgot where he came from. He was a gentleman, a good and honorable man and an extraordinary public servant.”
Aiken said May 12 that he is suspending all campaign activities to “pray for his family and friends.”
According to Brad Crone, a North Carolina Democratic strategist, Crisco was planning to concede May 13. While the state board of elections has acknowledged Crisco’s death, Aiken has not been certified the winner.
Aiken held a slim lead for the Democratic nomination, with an unofficial tally of 11,649 votes, or 40.8%. Keith Crisco was in second place with 11,277 votes, or 39.5%. In North Carolina, a candidate needs to get more than 40% of the vote to avoid a runoff election.
