Mallory Hagan
A Miss America who leveraged her platform to champion social issues and later pivoted into political advocacy, challenging establishment politics in the Deep South.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American politician·Birthday: December 23·Millennials
Biography
Mallory Hagan's story is one of crowns and campaigns, a trajectory from pageant stages to political podiums. Winning Miss America 2013 as Miss New York, she immediately distinguished herself by speaking candidly about child sexual abuse prevention, a personal and policy-driven platform. Her reign was marked by a modern, approachable demeanor that sought to reshape the pageant's image. After her year with the crown, she transitioned to television journalism in Alabama, using the microphone to engage with community issues. This local connection fueled her next act: a run for the Alabama House of Representatives in 2022. Though unsuccessful, her campaign as a Democrat in a heavily Republican district was a bold statement of her convictions, focusing on education and healthcare. Her journey reflects a continuous evolution from symbolic titleholder to a substantive voice attempting to navigate the complex arena of Southern politics.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mallory was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mallory Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Mallory's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Crowned Miss America 2013, winning the competition as the representative of New York.
- Used her Miss America platform to advocate nationally for the prevention of child sexual abuse.
- Ran as the Democratic candidate for Alabama's 29th House District in the 2022 state elections.
- Served as a morning news anchor for CBS affiliate WTVY in Dothan, Alabama.
- Judged the 2018 Miss America competition following her reign.
Did You Know?
She was the first Miss America winner to have her talent be a ventriloquism act.
She initially won the Miss New York title on her third attempt at the state competition.
She is a certified spin (indoor cycling) instructor.
During her Miss America reign, she traveled over 20,000 miles per month for appearances.
She faced controversy when Miss America officials criticized her weight during her reign, which later contributed to organizational reforms.
“I want little girls to see me and know that they can do anything they set their minds to.”
