The 2025 Miss Maine pageant is generating excitement and controversy, particularly due to one contestant: Jordon Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of renowned NFL coach Bill Belichick. Hudson, a runner-up in last year’s competition, is already in the spotlight but currently trails in the fan voting, which is a component of the pageant that allows the public to vote for their favorite contestant at $1 per vote. By the time of publication, Hudson had garnered only around 220 votes, significantly behind other contestants, including Isabelle St. Cyr, who is leading with over 440 votes. The contestant with the highest online votes will secure the People’s Choice Award and an automatic entry into the semifinals.
Isabelle St. Cyr stands out not just for her lead in voting but also for her groundbreaking status as the first transgender model to compete in the Miss Maine pageant. St. Cyr previously won the Miss Monson USA title and has used her platform to inspire others in the face of adversity. In a poignant Facebook post, she reflected on challenges she faced in cheerleading and expressed her determination to succeed in the pageant space. St. Cyr’s message centers on passion and perseverance, qualities she believes are essential in her pursuit of the Miss Maine USA title.
The backdrop of the pageant also highlights ongoing national discussions surrounding transgender inclusion in sports, particularly in Maine, where the issue has sparked significant debate. Maine’s Governor Janet Mills has taken a firm stance toward allowing transgender participation in athletics, despite federal pressures, including a lawsuit from the Department of Justice during the previous administration. This controversy not only frames the pageant but situates it within a broader societal conflict, particularly relevant for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in competitive arenas.
In contrast, Hudson is competing not only for personal glory but also to advocate for Maine’s commercial fishing industry, which her family heavily depended on before their fishing business went bankrupt during her childhood. Hudson’s platform emphasizes the importance of preserving Maine’s fishing heritage and traditions, stating her commitment to use her voice for advocacy in this sector. Her personal narrative adds depth to her candidacy, as she wishes to represent those who have faced economic hardships related to the fishing economy.
Saturday’s online voting unexpectedly faced technical issues, leading to the competition’s webpage crashing, which has left the current standings somewhat uncertain. Just prior to this technical disruption, Lexi Bjork, a student at the University of Southern Maine, was leading the vote count with over 1,400 votes. This online voting mechanism adds a competitive element to the pageantry that may influence overall outcomes in unexpected ways.
As the pageant nears, Jordon Hudson faces the dual challenge of advancing her campaign in light of the public opinion reflected in voting. With her opponent St. Cyr focusing on empowerment and representation, Hudson must navigate her own advocacy issues while also engaging voters who may be drawn to her family’s story and her goals for the fishing community. The unfolding events suggest that the Miss Maine pageant is not simply a beauty competition but a microcosm of larger societal discussions and personal narratives. The stakes are high as contestants represent both personal and community interests in an increasingly complex social landscape.
