Justus Kelley of Virginia crowned Miss USA 2026

Justus Kelley, representing Virginia, was crowned Miss USA 2026 on Thursday night, August 27, in Miami, making history as the first married woman and mother to win the title. The 31-year-old's victory at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts marks a significant milestone following the pageant's rule changes in recent years.

Kelley's win is the first under eligibility rules that were overhauled in 2023, which eliminated the ban on married and divorced contestants and allowed mothers to compete. A subsequent change in 2024 removed the previous age limit of 28. In her victory speech, Kelley highlighted the significance of the moment. "This opportunity means the world to me, and not only are we celebrating the 75th anniversary but we made history tonight," she said. "I'm the first married woman, first mom, and first woman in her 30s."

The Arlington, Virginia, native is a foster mother, nonprofit founder, and children's book author. She and her husband, Tyler Rashad Kelley, have been licensed foster parents for nearly two years and are currently fostering a baby boy and his sister. Kelley founded Foster Footprints, an organization that supports foster youth and their...