A former Miss Texas announced her intention to challenge incumbent state Rep. Angie Chen Button.
Averie Bishop, 26, will try to parlay recognition gained from her vocal stance on liberal issues in a predominantly conservative state to run as a Democrat to represent District 112 in the Texas legislature.
She has used her social media platforms to champion causes such as abortion rights, gun control measures and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Bishop’s move into the political arena is a notable departure from the usual nonpolitical stance of pageant participants.
The beauty queen discussed her campaign’s direction with the Texas Tribune.
“I know what it’s like to grow up in a small town and never see leaders who looked like me, let alone who fought for me,” Bishop said in a statement.
“It’s time for the next generation of Texans to lead — to protect our state’s environment and economy, to safeguard our schools and our right to education, and to truly represent the majority of this great state.”
Bishop has effectively utilized the social media platform TikTok to expand her influence and promote her liberal viewpoints to a vast audience.
She has also been proactive in lobbying the state legislature on various issues, notably in support of DEI programs.
Bishop was the first Asian contestant to win the beauty queen crown in the pageant’s 85-year history, according to the Tribune. The report noted Bishop would be the first Filipino-American in the state Legislature’s history.
Bishop’s incumbent opponent, Angie Chen Button, has been a steadfast representative since 2009.
In the 2020 elections, Button secured her seat by a narrow margin of approximately 300 votes in a district that favored President Joe Biden by nine percentage points, according to a Washington Examiner report.
Scroll down to leave a comment and share your thoughts.
