When Ruby Tilghman was crowned as Miss Alabama 2026, she received enthusiastic applause from the audience at Samford University’s Wright Center, hugs from her fellow contestants and congratulations from family members, friends, supporters and fans.
June 6 was a big night for Tilghman, 22, a graduate of the University of Alabama who plans to continue her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Heersink School of Medicine.
Backstage after her win, Tilghman said she was feeling proud and grateful, as her hard work for the competition paid off. “There’s also a lot of excitement for the year ahead,” Tilghman said.
But not everyone was thrilled to hear that Tilghman would be representing the state during a yearlong reign and competing for Miss America as the new Miss Alabama…