Justus Kelley crowned Miss USA 2026

Justus Kelley, a 31-year-old native of Arlington, Virginia, has been crowned Miss USA 2026 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. Her victory marks a historic milestone for the pageant, as she is the first winner to be a married woman, a mother, and a woman over the age of 30.

Kelley holds a master’s degree in public health administration and serves as a senior philanthropic advisor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She is also the founder of Foster Footprints, a nonprofit organization that supports foster youth in the Washington, D.C. area. Kelley and her husband, Tyler, are licensed foster parents who have expressed a commitment to providing stability and care for children in the foster system.

During her platform, Kelley has emphasized inclusivity and the ability for women to balance diverse roles in life. She also advocates for sustainability through her use of secondhand fashion. Kelley is scheduled to compete in the Miss Universe pageant this November.