From Pageants To Politics: 5 Questions With Mallory Hagan

OPELIKA, AL - Running for Congress in Alabama as a Democrat these days is an uphill battle, as the U.S. House seats in Alabama have been dominated by Republicans for decades. But that doesn't seem to intimidate Mallory Hagan, the Democratic nominee for Alabama's Third Congressional District. Hagan knows about pressure, and knows a thing or two about getting votes. After all, she was Miss America in 2013, and has grown accustomed to the stress of being in the spotlight.

Hagan attended Opelika High School and Auburn University before moving to New York to pursue a modeling and acting career. She entered pageants in New York, being crowned Miss Brooklyn in 2010, Miss Manhattan in 2011, Miss New York City in 2012, Miss New York in 2012 and Miss America in 2013.

One would think that resume would be impressive enough on its own without adding "United States Congress" to it, but Hagan said she wants to do more. Patch caught up with the busy candidate to ask why she is seeking this office, and what she thinks she can do for Alabama.

First and foremost, why are you running? And why this particular office?

I was asked to run. In January, a group of people in my district approached me and asked if I would consider throwing my name in the hat. Initially I said no, but when I began to look at the number of women running across the country, and the fact that there are only 4 women under 40 in Congress… I knew I had to do it.

Your opponent, Mike Rogers, has been in office since 2002, and has the benefit of being a Republican in a very red state. What do you feel like you bring to the people of your district - and to Alabama as a whole - that is different and better than the status quo?

I bring excitement, youth, national name recognition and the desire to listen. For 16 years Congressman Rogers has made himself scarce. He does not answer to his constituents. He refuses to hold town halls. He has actively avoided debates in the past. Who does he work for? I have been traveling Alabama’s 3rd district since the day I announced my candidacy. I have listened to my neighbors, I have been a strong voice for the issues that they care about, and I know I will be the person to fight for their interests rather than the interests of corporations and party politics.

What are some of the issues you hear most from your constituents as far as moving the state forward?

The top three issues for Al-03 are healthcare, education and equality.

Who would you say are your biggest influences politically?

I gravitate toward Kristen Gillibrand, Cory Booker, Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama. I like them all for different reasons, but the common thread is their commitment to consistent leadership and rising above the fray.

How does the stress and pressure of running for office compare to competing in the Miss America pageant?

The circumstances surrounding me while running for office have been quite similar to the months leading up to Miss America. I place a lot of pressure on myself to leave no stone unturned. I have consistently been working 14-hour days, and I will continue to do so until November 6. I don't want to let the people of Alabama and the people of my district down.

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Photo by Keema Anderson/Valenci Adair Photography (used with permission)

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