Last week, Mrs. DC America crowned Meagan Barnes, a first-time pageant contestant and Energy Department employee.

Barnes told Yeas & Nays that until recently she didn't know "married pageants" existed, but that getting involved meant "more opportunities to get out in the community," especially to advocate women's mental health programs.

Barnes expects hailing from D.C. will give her an "advantage" on politics and current events when it comes to the live "final question" in the Mrs. America competition, which is Aug. 28 in Tucson, Ariz.

"The Capitol has never taken home the crown," said Gina Boyd, a manager for Mrs. DC America.

The District contestant pool tends to be smaller than most states, said Boyd, which is why residents within 25 miles of the metro area are eligible. Barnes represented Georgetown, but actually lives across the river in Arlington.