Context:

Jordon Hudson, Bill Belichick's girlfriend, is competing in the 2025 Miss Maine pageant, aiming for the crown after finishing as the runner-up the previous year. However, early fan votes indicate she may finish lower than expected, with Isabelle St. Cyr, the first transgender model to compete in the pageant, currently leading. St. Cyr, a former successful cheerleader, is driven by her passion and determination despite facing societal challenges. Hudson is representing Maine fishing families, highlighting her personal connection to the industry's struggles following her family's business bankruptcy. The voting process faced technical issues, with Lexi Bjork leading before the online vote page crashed, leaving the current standings uncertain.

Dive Deeper:

• Jordon Hudson, who is Bill Belichick's girlfriend, is participating in the Miss Maine pageant again after being the runner-up last year, but initial fan voting suggests she might not secure a top spot this time.

• Isabelle St. Cyr, a groundbreaking transgender model, is leading the early votes with over 440 votes, surpassing Hudson, who has just over 220 votes, as the competition heats up.

• St. Cyr, who has faced significant opposition in her cheerleading career, draws parallels between her past and her current pageant journey, emphasizing her dedication and love for the craft despite societal pushback.

• In a state that has become a focal point for the national debate on trans athletes, Maine officials have taken a strong stance on inclusion, which has led to legal challenges from the federal government.

• Hudson's participation is deeply personal as she aims to advocate for Maine fishing families, a cause close to her heart after her own family's business was lost, and she has been vocal about preserving this heritage.

• The online voting for the pageant encountered technical difficulties, causing the results to be temporarily unknown, with Lexi Bjork having been in the lead with over 1,400 votes before the page crash.

• The Miss Maine pageant's online voting system allows the public to support their favorite contestant with a $1 per vote fee, significantly impacting the contestants' chances of advancing in the competition.