Miss Washington USA 2023 is Samantha Gallia of King County
Miss King County, Samantha Gallia was crowned Miss Washington USA 2023 in the state competition held on Sunday, November 13 at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center.
The 24-year-old breast cancer support advocate is a graduate of a doctorate degree in dentistry from the University of the Pacific and is currently an oral and maxillofacial radiology resident at the University of Washington. She succeeded last year's winner Mazzy Eckel and will now represent Washington at Miss USA 2023 in Reno, Nevada.
Green Lake's Taylor Mann and Stanwood's Stephanie Yerigan were respectively announced as the first and second runners-up while Mukilteo's Jesi Williams and West Bellevue's Starla Sampaco rounded out the Top 5 finalists.
"I have about a million thank yous to make, but for now- thank you to every person who has ever believed in me and poured into me. I am so grateful for so many incredible people in my life," Samantha wrote in a statement on social media after winning her state title.
The new Miss Washington USA is also a two-time marathon runner who served her community as president of her sorority, Delta Gamma, and the Student Community Outreach for Public Education (SCOPE), providing dental care to underserved communities. She formed #GirlDocsRock to encourage young women in science and health careers.
Washington won Miss USA only once with Dorothy Anstett in 1968. The "Evergreen State" holds a record of 13 placements at the national pageant and the last time was in 2004 with Tara McCormick who finished in the Top 15.
Meet the new Miss Washington USA:
Photos: Miss Oregon USA, Samantha Gallia / Instagram
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