District of Columbia contestant named Miss USA | ABS-CBN

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District of Columbia contestant named Miss USA

District of Columbia contestant named Miss USA

Reuters

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Miss District of Columbia Kara McCullough reacts after being crowned 2017 Miss USA.

David Becker, Reuters

Miss District of Columbia Kara McCullough poses after being crowned 2017 Miss USA.

David Becker, Reuters

The five finalists (left to right): Miss New Jersey Chhavi Verg, Miss District of Columbia Kara McCullough, Miss South Carolina Megan Gordon, Miss Illinois Whitney Wandland and Miss Minnesota Meredith Gould stand on stage.

David Becker, Reuters

Miss District of Columbia Kara McCullough.

David Becker, Reuters

Miss District of Columbia Kara McCullough.

David Becker, Reuters

Miss District of Columbia Kara McCullough.

David Becker, Reuters

LAS VEGAS - A 25-year-old scientist representing the District of Columbia was crowned winner of the Miss USA pageant on Sunday, the second consecutive year that the contestant from the nation's capital won the annual competition.

Kara McCullough, who holds a degree in chemistry and works at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, triumphed over 50 other contestants, including first runner-up Chhavi Verg, representing New Jersey, to claim victory in the contest which was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

For her question as one of three finalists, McCullough was asked about healthcare rights, and replied that affordable healthcare was a privilege for people who held jobs. The response drew some stinging criticism on social media platforms such as Twitter, but also had its defenders.

"Twitter is like a war zone," posted one user, referring to opposing reactions to the winner's remarks.

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McCullough also took hits for saying she does not call herself a feminist, preferring "equalism," before adding "Women, we are just as equal as men, especially in the workplace."

The pageant's other finalist, Meridith Gould, represented Minnesota.

McCullough will go on to compete as the U.S. representative at the annual Miss Universe pageant.

(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Michael Perry)

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