Miss Alabama 2026 is Ruby Tilghman. Tilghman, who was Miss Birmingham, was crowned Saturday night.
A Panama City, Fla. native, Tilghman worked her way to the top after placing second runner-up in the 2025 pageant as Miss University of Alabama. She started her path to the crown after being named Miss Florida’s Outstanding Teen in 2021.
She recently graduated from UA with a degree in chemistry. She will continue her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine in hopes of becoming a pediatric neurologist.
Tilghman's community service initiative is a nonprofit she founded in 2017, Many Mini Musicians, inspired by her love for the piano. The organization funds fine arts programs in public schools.
Miss Tuscaloosa Julia Schumacher was first runner-up, Miss East Alabama Jayla Duncan was second runner-up, Miss Jefferson County Elaina Burt was third runner-up and Miss Samford University Alana Price was fourth runner-up.
Tilghman will return to her home state to compete in Miss America 2027 on September 6. The pageant will be held in West Palm Beach, Fla.
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