Candice Bennatt was crowned Miss New Mexico 2012 during the 2012 Miss New Mexico Pageant on Sat, August 23rd at the Spencer Theater in Ruidoso. Bennatt was one of 19 contestants competing for the title. Reigning Miss Otero County Carin Malm of Albuquerque, was crowned runner-up. Sara Richardson was second runner-up; Deanna Jerge was 3rd runner-up; Stephanie Chavez was 4th runner-up.
Candice Bennatt will represent New Mexico at the Miss America 2013 pageant. At the time of her crowning, she was the reigning Miss Ruidoso.
If she is crowned Miss America, she will become the first Miss New Mexico to earn the national title.
Candice earned a bachelor's degree in biology and is a "public speaker, medical consultant, former NFL cheerleader, dancer, fitness guru, domestic abuse activist (and) Operation Helmet spokesperson."
