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

Justus Kelley, representing Virginia, has been crowned Miss USA 2026 during the competition's 75th anniversary in Miami. The 31-year-old makes history as the first married woman, the first mother, and the first winner over the age of 30 to hold the title.

These milestones were made possible by rule changes implemented in 2023 and 2024, which removed previous age limits and allowed married women and mothers to compete. This marks a significant departure from historical standards, such as the 1957 incident where Mary Leona Gage was stripped of her title for being married.

Kelley, a public health professional and founder of the nonprofit Foster Footprints, used her platform to advocate for children in the foster care system. She and her husband serve as foster parents to two children. Her prize package includes an annual salary of $150,000, a Range Rover, and luxury accommodations in Miami.