Miss Maine USA Pageant Heats Up Amidst Controversy and Online Voting Frenzy

The 2025 Miss Maine USA pageant is generating significant buzz, not only for its glamorous competition but also for the diverse backgrounds and compelling stories of its contestants. Among the hopefuls vying for the crown is Jordon Hudson, the 24-year-old girlfriend of legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, who is aiming to improve upon her runner-up finish from the previous year. However, early indicators from online fan voting suggest that Hudson may face a steeper climb to victory than anticipated.

The online voting system, which allows the public to cast votes for their favorite contestant at $1 per vote, has revealed a surprising trend. As of the time of publication, Hudson was trailing significantly behind the frontrunner, amassing just over 220 votes. The model who ultimately wins the online vote will be awarded the People’s Choice Award, guaranteeing them a coveted spot in the pageant’s semifinals.

Ahead of Hudson in the online voting standings is Isabelle St. Cyr, who has garnered over 440 votes. St. Cyr’s participation in the Miss Maine USA competition marks a historic milestone, as she is the first transgender model to compete in the pageant’s history. Previously, St. Cyr won the local Miss Monson USA pageant in the Maine town of Monson.

St. Cyr’s journey to the Miss Maine USA stage has been one of resilience and determination. In a March 25 Facebook post, she reflected on the challenges she faced when she began cheerleading. "When I started cheerleading I had all the odds stacked against me," St. Cyr wrote. "So much pushback, so many people telling me it wasn’t a space for me. But I fought for what I loved and I ended up being a very successful cheerleader, winning state and national titles and inspiring people to join even if they hadn’t been doing it their whole life."

St. Cyr sees parallels between her cheerleading journey and her current pursuit of the Miss Maine USA crown. "I sense a similar trajectory in my ongoing journey with pageants," she stated. "I believe I have everything it takes to be Miss Maine USA and I know that no amount of experience can match a true passion and drive to accomplish something."

The Miss Maine USA pageant is taking place against the backdrop of a broader national debate regarding transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports. Maine has become a focal point in this conflict, with state officials and the federal government clashing over the issue of trans inclusion. Gov. Janet Mills and education officials have adopted a firm stance in favor of trans inclusion, even in the face of substantial federal pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration. The Department of Justice has even filed a lawsuit against the state over this matter.

Meanwhile, Hudson’s participation in the pageant has also drawn attention, particularly due to her relationship with Bill Belichick. The couple’s age gap and the circumstances surrounding their relationship have stirred controversy and prompted widespread discussion.

Hudson’s personal platform for the Miss Maine USA competition centers around representing Maine fishing families. She aims to use her voice to advocate for the protection of the state’s fishing heritage, drawing from her own family’s experience with bankruptcy in the fishing industry during her childhood. "As the daughter of displaced fishermen, I care to use my voice to protect the fleeting tradition and heritage of Maine fishing families, to prevent others from going through the same plight as what mine had to go through," Hudson shared on Instagram.

However, the online voting process has not been without its challenges. On Saturday afternoon, the Maine online vote page experienced a crash, rendering updated results unavailable. Prior to the crash, University of Southern Maine student Lexi Bjork was leading the online vote with over 1,400 votes.

The Miss Maine USA pageant promises to be a captivating event, showcasing the diverse talents, backgrounds, and aspirations of the contestants. The competition is not only a celebration of beauty and poise but also a platform for these young women to advocate for causes close to their hearts. As the pageant approaches, the public’s attention will undoubtedly remain focused on the evolving dynamics of the competition and the stories of the remarkable individuals vying for the crown. The issues of trans inclusion and the impact of celebrity relationships add layers of complexity and intrigue to the competition. Whoever is chosen will carry with them the hopes and dreams of many in the state.