Herington native Madilynn Becker represented Kansas on the national stage last week, finishing among the Top 20 contestants at the 2026 Miss USA pageant in Miami, Florida.
Becker, age 22, earned an automatic place in the Top 20 after finishing as one of the top three contestants in the national People’s Choice voting. The public voting gave pageant followers across the country an opportunity to support their state representatives. Becker had attracted strong support throughout the voting period and was ranked second nationally with only hours remaining in the contest.
Once in the Top 20, Becker continued in the televised competition but did not advance to the Top 10. The remaining Top 20 contestants included representatives from Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico and South Carolina.
Virginia’s Justus Kelley ultimately captured the Miss USA crown. Florida's Aileen Cerchiara was first runner-up, followed by Pennsylvania’s Elizabeth Voight, Iowa’s Madeline Erickson and Utah’s Alayzia Christopher.
Becker earned the opportunity to represent Kansas after being crowned Miss Kansas USA 2026 in June. She represented Herington in the state competition and also received the interview award.
Raised in Herington and on her family’s ranch outside the community, Becker is a senior at Wichita State University studying dental hygiene.
She serves as president of the university’s Student American Dental Hygiene Association and is a member of the American Dental Education Association. She also uses her platform to educate children and parents about oral health.
Her Top 20 finish at Miss USA adds another national accomplishment for the Herington native and brought her hometown — and Kansas — onto the stage during the pageant’s 75th anniversary competition.