Miss District of Columbia, Cierra Jackson, walks onstage during the “lifestyle and fitness” portion of Tuesday’s Miss America preliminary. (Viviana Pernot/Press of Atlantic City via AP)
Washington might not have a vote in Congress, but, hey, at least there’s the monarchy — Miss D.C. is doing well in the lead up to the Miss America pageant, which is set to air Sunday night. Cierra Jackson (and her bright-purple bikini) took first place in the swimsuit competition in the first preliminary round of the beauty contest in Atlantic City, an honor that could augur well for her chances at the big tiara.
If the 24-year-old former White House and Capitol Hill intern took home the title, she would join Deshauna Barber, the now-reigning Miss USA (that’s the other, sans-talent-portion pageant), who hails from Washington.
Jackson’s Beltway credentials include a stint at the White House, where she was assigned to the chief of staff’s office, and another working for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii). “She plans … to one day run for office,” per her bio.
Things are looking good for Miss Maryland, too. Hannah Brewer, a 19-year-old Carroll County Community College student, sashayed away with the swimsuit honors in the second night of competition.

Miss Maryland, Hannah Brewer, waves as she is introduced during Miss America Pageant arrival ceremonies Aug. 30 in Atlantic City. (Mel Evans/AP)