Miss Virginia Justus Kelley makes history as first mother to win Miss USA

Justus Kelley has won Miss USA 2026, becoming first mother and married woman to take title

Miss Virginia Justus Kelley has been crowned Miss USA 2026, becoming the first mother and married woman to win the title.

The 31-year-old was named the winner of the 75th Miss USA pageant on Thursday at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami.

Kelley was crowned by Miss USA 2025 Audrey Eckert and became Virginia’s first winner since 1970.

Kelley is a foster mother of two, nonprofit founder and children’s book author. She will now represent the United States at the Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November.

The Miss USA competition featured 51 contestants, with competitors taking part in swimsuit, evening gown and interview rounds.

The top five were asked a final question about what their year as Miss USA could represent for women in America.

Kelley highlighted her age, marriage and role as a foster parent in her response.

"We are here tonight celebrating the 75th anniversary of Miss USA, but we also have an opportunity to make history tonight," Kelley said.

"I'm 31 years old, I'm married to my college sweetheart of nine years, and we are proud foster parents of two adorable siblings that absolutely have my heart."

"What my year as Miss USA would mean and look like is no longer questioning if we have to choose between our ambitious careers, our families, and our wildest dreams," she continued.

"I'm standing on this stage embracing every part of who I am, and I believe that I can be your next Miss USA."

After the competition, Kelley described her victory as "a huge honor" and said she viewed becoming the first mother and married woman to win the title as "a responsibility".

"I look at this like a responsibility to know that I was trusted to be the first," she said, adding that she "won't be the last."

The 2026 competition also introduced a new "commercial appeal" category, assessing contestants’ potential to attract sponsorships. Audience voting was also incorporated into the final competition.