The Truth About The Bachelor's Jessenia Cruz

The 25th season of The Bachelor officially debuted on Jan. 4, 2020 — and as host Chris Harrison promises every year, it's likely to be one of the most dramatic seasons ever. (We're positive Queen Victoria will surely stir the pot.) After, all there was drama before the dating series even started. During the show's premiere, Matt James, who made history as ABC's first-ever Black bachelor, stood in front of the mansion most luxe hotel we've ever seen to greet the 32 women vying for his heart this season. Some of the contestant include Abigail Heringer, who received Matt's first impression role; Kit Keenan, who would probably be a better match for The Bachelorette's Bennett Jordan; and Jessenia Cruz, whom The Bachelor describes as the "total package of brains, beauty and an infectious personality."

Want to know more about Jessenia? Keep scrolling to find out the truth about the social media marketer from San Antonio, Texas.

Contestant Victoria Larson may be a self-proclaimed "Queen," but Jessenia Cruz is an actual pageant queen. According to her Bachelor bio, she competed in pageants in her native state of Texas and received the title of Miss El Paso in 2016. During her time as Miss El Paso, Jessenia gave back to her community as well as crowned the new winner in 2017. 

"I'm so overjoyed to have crowned this beautiful and deserving girl. I can't wait to see the blessings that this turning point will bring to you, and witness the woman you will grow to become," she wrote via Instagram at the time. Jessenia also reflected on the role, writing, "There are no words that could describe how amazing this moment felt. My year as Miss El Paso is one I'll never forget. I have learned so much about myself, and with the support and guidance of those closest to me, I have grown immensely, and I know I will continue to grow."

Jessenia Cruz is "hoping to find her true counterpart" in Matt James after recently ending a relationship, as per her official Bachelor bio. However, she's looking for specific traits which include "a man who takes initiative, is adventurous, and who will keep life exciting and unpredictable." It looks like Matt may be the guy, as he embodies a lot of the qualities she's looking for. Not only is he extremely active, but he took part in the Black Lives Matter protests and gives free food tours to low-income elementary school students in New York City with his best friend and Bachelor Nation fave, Tyler Cameron.

In June 2020, Matt also revealed what he's looking for in a woman, telling Good Morning America (via Glamour) that his ideal partner is someone who's "selfless, honest, caring, compassionate — qualities found in women all shapes and sizes." He also wants to be with someone who wants a family. "I think the grandkid counter for my mom started when the [Bachelor] announcement was made," he told People. "She wants a basketball team. I'll have a minivan, as many as we can fit."

Matt James should take note, because Jessenia Cruz knows what she doesn't want in a partner: someone who's always on their phone. In fact, she "cannot stand" this quality, as per her Bachelor bio, "especially if it's during a date night." (Though Matt is an avid social media user and often shares content on his Instagram, on the show, he won't have his phone.) Instead, Jessenia "wants someone with whom she can travel the world, but who will also indulge in a fabulous staycation." Ahead of The Bachelor, she described herself as a "true romantic" who "daydreams about what it will be like when she finally meets the man of her dreams."

So is Matt the man for her? He is, if he's a dog person as Jessenia — who has three pups of her own — claims "her soulmate also must love dogs." Fair enough. Who doesn't love dogs? (Plus, hers are super cute. You can see them here, here, and here.)

During The Bachelor's Season 25 premiere, Matt James said a prayer before after meeting the women. According to Refinery29, he said: "Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us all together healthy. Give these women the courage to get through these next few months. You say that you work all things for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose, Father God. And I feel like that's why I'm here and I feel like that's why these women are here, Lord."

After the episode, some fans criticized Matt's religious moment. However, many of the women appreciated his gesture — and though cameras didn't catch Jessenia Cruz's reaction, according to her Instagram, she's a woman of deep faith. In December 2016, she praised her hometown on Christmas Day, writing via Instagram, "One of the things I love about El Paso is that we are a deeply religious community, we aren't afraid to show our love for the Lord, especially on this day."

Based on our research, it certainly seems like Matt and Jessenia share a lot of common ground.