Miss Earth USA 2026 is Gia Soleil Espinoza from Texas
Gia Soleil Espinoza of Texas was crowned Miss Earth USA 2026 in a national competition held on Saturday, January 3 at Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.
The 20-year-old criminal justice major and third-generation business owner from El Paso succeeds last year's winner Haley Poe. She will represent the USA at Miss Earth 2026 later this year.
April Rodriguez of Lone Star State was named Miss Earth USA Air, while Angel Marie Strong of West Coast, Alanna Lynch of West Virginia, and Autumn Fisher of Kentucky were announced Miss Earth USA Water, Fire, and Eco, respectively.
For the teen division, talented young model Mia Navarro, also from El Paso, clinched the title of Teen Miss Earth USA 2026. She was crowned by her predecessor Jordyn Campion.
The new Miss Earth USA is also passionate advocate for animals. She co-founded Cars & Canines, a community-focused initiative that promotes adoption, sustainability, and meaningful connections.
Having recently been accepted into the El Paso Police Academy, Gia is pursuing her ambition of becoming a domestic violence advocate, inspired by service, compassion, and the legacy of her late friend and Cars & Canines co-founder, Mia Molina.
A lifelong Texan and a proud cat mom, she is driven by a clear purpose, dedicated to creating safer, stronger, and more sustainable communities.
"Everything feels so surreal, and I'm just trying to slow down and take it all in while being surrounded by my family and the people I love most. My heart is so beyond full," Gia shared online after winning her national title.
She also wrote: "Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey. There were long days, late nights, and moments where I was exhausted and doubting myself, but there was also so much joy, growth, and love along the way."
Road to the 26th Miss Earth:
Photos: Reza Venegas / Miss Earth USA, Eva Flis Photography / Instagram
