Former Miss America Mallory Hagan announced Tuesday that she was running as a Democrat for the third Congressional district house seat in Alabama.
“I recently found myself at the center of a national controversy surrounding the Miss America Organization,” the 29-year-old model crowned in 2013 shared on her website. It was a painful experience, but it taught me a lot about the power of my voice.” (RELATED: Miss America Board Members In Hot Water Over ‘Inappropriate’ Emails About Past Winners)
“By telling my story, by petitioning for change, and by demanding resolution, I ignited a spark that fueled women–AND men– across this country to stand up, speak out, and believe that when people share their stories, positive change can occur,” she added. “I told my story. It was difficult, but it sparked meaningful change.”
“This experience transformed me,” she continued. “I want to represent the people of this state because I want to be a voice for Alabamians that is clear and strong. I want to be a voice that sparks positive change. I want to be your representative from Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District this November.”
That district’s seat is currently held by Republican incumbent Mike Rogers. He has represented the district for 16 years and easily held onto his seat in 2016, winning 34 percent of the vote. President Donald Trump also won that district with 33 percent of the vote.
Last month, Hagan and several other former title holders called on top officials with the Miss America Board of Directors to step down after leaked emails revealed personal insults about former pageant winners, including comments about her personal appearance.
CEO Sam Haskell and two other executives stepped down following the leak.