The Hill's 50 Most Beautiful People

Age: 22
Hometown: San Rafael, Calif.
Political party: Democratic
Relationship status: Single 

A cup of coffee with Lindsey Cobia is a light affair until you realize you’re in the presence of a pro.

Not only has the Bay Area native managed a coffee shop single-handedly and scoured D.C. in search of the perfect cup — she’s also a competitive latte artist. To prove it, she’ll show you pictures of an impeccable dragon, drawn in milky foam, atop a creamy cup of Joe.

“I'm a coffee snob,” she says without apology. “One of the things I really miss [being in Washington] is having free coffee all the time.”

The 22-year-old staff assistant for Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (Md.) is also a Harry Potter fanatic who’s dressed up as Draco Malfoy — Potter’s recurring adversary — for each and every movie premiere.

Cobia insists she chose the part because Malfoy’s platinum-white hair resembles her own, not because she identifies with his evil-doing, but that’s done nothing to stop her from role-playing in the theater — to both the embarrassment of friends (“I was calling the popcorn guy a muggle”) and the confusion of strangers.

After one eventful trip to the bathroom, she overheard an observer: “There’s this girl dressed up like Malfoy, and I think she’s certifiable.”

Born in Texas, Cobia has bounced around the map — including stints in South Carolina, New Jersey and Holland — before landing in San Rafael, Calif. The nomadic lifestyle has made the transition to D.C. an easy one, even if she sometimes misses the more laid-back nature of northern California.

“The people here keep me on my toes,” she says. “But sometimes I feel like people need a little California in them.”

To stay active, Cobia runs on the National Mall and bikes to work on her beach cruiser. She's also fond of “treasure hunting” at yard sales and thrift stores. 

— Mike Lillis