Fred Aikens will run for the Democratic nomination for state auditor.

Aikens, 57, is a retired state deputy of corrections and transportation and a retired colonel for the U.S. Army and N.C. National Guard. He served in Kuwait in 2003.

He's also been on numerous government councils and local nonprofits, including a stint chairing the State Government Information Technology Council.

If he wins the primary, Aikens plans to participate in a pilot program for public financing of the race. He said he hopes to increase accountability and reduce the focus of state government on campaign donors.

"I think we have seen enough scandal in Raleigh recently," he said in a statement. "It's time to clean up the mess."

Aikens will face Beth Wood in the primary. Incumbent Republican Les Merritt is seeking re-election.