# Justus Kelley Miss USA 2026 victory

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/justus-kelley-miss-usa-2026-victory
> Updated: 2026-08-31T16:11:45.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Justus Kelley, a 31-year-old public health professional from Virginia, was crowned Miss USA 2026 in Miami. Her victory represents several historic milestones for the pageant, as she is the first winner to be a married woman, a mother, and a contestant over the age of 30.

These achievements follow rule changes implemented in 2023 and 2024 that removed previous age restrictions and eligibility requirements regarding marital status. Kelley, who serves as a senior philanthropic advisor at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, used her platform to advocate for children in the foster care system through her nonprofit, Foster Footprints.

Kelley is scheduled to compete in the Miss Universe pageant in November.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Justus Kelley crowned Miss USA 2026

Justus Kelley has made history as the first married woman, mother, and woman over 30 to be crowned Miss USA, using her platform to advocate for foster youth and inclusivity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/justus-kelley-crowned-miss-usa-2026-1

### 2026-08-29: Justus Kelley makes history as first married mother to win Miss USA

Justus Kelley has made history as the first married woman, mother, and winner over age 30 to be crowned Miss USA, following recent changes to the pageant's eligibility rules.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/justus-kelley-wins-miss-usa-2026-making-pageant-history

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Cite as: Justus Kelley Miss USA 2026 victory. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/justus-kelley-miss-usa-2026-victory