Hawaii’s Savannah Gankiewicz Takes Over Miss USA Title After Previous Winner Resigned

Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii was named Miss USA 2023 on Wednesday, more than a week after the previous titleholder stepped down.

Gankiewicz, a model who leads a nonprofit focused on empowering women, will hold the title until August—completing the pageant’s term, the organization reported.

“I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that is important to me,” said Gankiewicz, from Maui, during a ceremony at the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.

As the first runner-up, Gankiewicz was announced as the replacement for former Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt, who resigned on May 6. In a statement, Voigt thanked her fans and said, “Never compromise your physical and mental well-being.”

Voigt, a former Miss Utah, was named in September 2023.

Miss Teen USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, also stepped down within days of Voigt’s resignation, surprising the Miss Universe Organization, which runs both pageants.

Srivastava, the former Miss New Jersey Teen USA, said in a statement that her personal values “no longer fully align with the direction of the organization.”