By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
After clinching the Democratic nomination for Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District last week, Opelika native Mallory Hagan has her eyes set on defeating 15-year Republican incumbent Mike Rogers.
Hagan defeated Adia McClellan Winfrey by a 66-34 percentage-point margin in last Tuesday’s primaries, a victory that she said will provide a significant momentum boost heading toward November’s general elections.
“It was a relief. It was a relief that the hard work that me and the awesome team that I put together paid off,” Hagan said.
Now, Hagan said she will be focusing on fundraising and meeting with constituents, particularly college students, to discuss problems they face including environmental issues in an attempt to swing votes from Rogers.
“I think it’s really important for voters to look at Congressman Roger’s voting record. One of the things that I disagree with him most on is his stance on our environment,” Hagan said. “Most of our districts are in real trouble, and people are very sick. In 2017, he voted against every single environmental protection bill that he could … and in a state like Alabama that is ripe for agriculture, I just think that that is ineffective and dangerous.”
Another issue Hagan said that is near and dear to her heart is equality, particularly within members of the LGBT community.
“I’m concerned about equality in our nation. I think it is incredibly important for us to get back to kindness and compassion and protecting those people who might be marginalized,” Hagan said. “(Passing) the Equality Act is very important to me as an LGBT advocate and as someone who is concerned about my neighbors.”
Reflecting on her journey, which includes winning the Miss America 2013 title and main news anchor for Columbus’s NBC affiliate WLTZ, Hagan said running for politics has been full of life-changing experiences.
“This is definitely the most fun I’ve ever had doing anything in my life. I enjoyed my time very much at WLTZ, working as a small business owner, and of course being Miss America,” Hagan said. “This has made me fall in love all over again with the state of Alabama, everyday shaking hands and meeting with people and hearing their stories. There are so many wonderful human beings here in Alabama and within this district.”
For more information about Hagan’s platforms, visit www.haganforhouse.com.