Ellie Breaux wins Miss Texas 2023

Ellie Breaux, a graduate of the University of North Texas (UNT), has been crowned the winner of Miss Texas 2023.

Originally from Houston, Breaux earned her bachelor's degree in marketing with a focus on fashion design from UNT. Her achievement was announced on the Miss America Texas Instagram account, where she expressed her disbelief, saying, "I still can't believe this is real life. I am constantly having to look at myself in the mirror to be sure I'm not dreaming." During the preliminary competitions, Breaux not only won the title of Miss Texas 2023 but also claimed victory in the evening gown and talent categories. Her talent performance included a dance and rhythmic gymnastics routine to Lady Gaga's "Hold My Hand," the anthem from Top Gun: Maverick. Following her triumph, the official dance team of the University of North Texas, known as the North Texas Dancers, congratulated Breaux on Twitter and pledged their support as she competes in Miss America. As the newly crowned Miss Texas 2023, Breaux will be awarded a $20,000 college scholarship and will advance to the Miss America 2024 pageant. The date and location of the national competition have yet to be announced. Breaux shared her platform, "Cops in the Community," which aims to bridge the gap between police officers and their communities in Texas. Drawing from her personal connection to law enforcement as her father, uncle, and cousin are police officers, she hopes to foster understanding and unity in the state and across the country. The first runner-up in the competition was Madison Matlock, a graduate of Southern Methodist University from DeWitt County. Matlock received a $10,000 scholarship for her accomplishment. The 86th annual Miss Texas competition featured 57 contestants from various regions of the state. It took place at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson and was broadcast on COZI-TV.