Erika Harold

Erika Natalie Louise Harold (born February 20, 1980) is an American attorney, politician, and former Miss America.

In 2014, she was a candidate in the Republican primary for the 13th Congressional District seat in the State of Illinois, ultimately losing the nomination to the incumbent, Rodney Davis.

[5][6] She has worked in Chicago, Illinois, as an associate attorney at Sidley Austin LLP and at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella.

Her platform choice grew out of personal experience; she recounted having been the subject of racial and sexual harassment[9] while growing up.

[9] On October 8, 2002, Harold gave a speech at the National Press Club in Washington during which she stated that she would talk about sexual abstinence and that she "will not be bullied" into dropping the topic from her platform.

[12] Thirty-eight members of Congress sent her a letter of support, encouraging her to press on with her "healthy message of abstinence until marriage.

"[13] During her time as Miss America, Harold interacted with legislators and testified before Congress on bullying and abstinence, which provided her with additional motivation to pursue a political career.

Sign for Urbana, Illinois honoring Harold
Miss America 2003 Erika Harold at a news conference at the National Press Club discussing her campaign to fight youth violence in 2002
Miss America 2003 Erika Harold