Miss Virginia Justus Kelley Wins Miss USA 2026, Making Pageant History

Miss Virginia Justus Kelley was named the winner of the 75th Miss USA pageant on Thursday at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. She was crowned by Miss USA 2025 Audrey Eckert and becomes Virginia’s first Miss USA winner since 1970. Kelley will represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November.

Kelley, 31, is a foster mom of two, a nonprofit founder, and a children’s book author. She is the first married woman, first mother, and first woman in her 30s to win Miss USA. The milestone follows eligibility changes: married women and mothers were allowed to compete beginning in 2023, and 2024 was the first year all women 18 and over were eligible.

Fifty-one women competed for the Miss USA crown, with swimsuit, evening gown, and interview rounds during preliminary competition in Miami. The top 20 competed in an onstage swimsuit round, the top 10 also competed in evening gown, and the top five answered a final question. Kelley’s final answer emphasized not having to choose between ambitious careers, families, and big dreams.

This year introduced a new judging category called “commercial appeal,” focused on how contestants might attract sponsorships and connect with brands, campaigns, and cameras. Fans watching from home also had a 12-minute window to vote for the top 10, though the weight of those votes was unclear. The final competition streamed on Queen Beauty Network after The CW dropped the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA finals from its schedule.