Could Haley Tate Make Miss America History for Montana?

It's not every day you get to talk to Montana royalty.

I was fortunate enough to have Miss Montana 2025, Haley Joy Tate, in studio this week.

Listen to our full interview below.

Haley Tate's Journey to the Crown

"It hasn't set in yet," Tate explained about what it's like to wear the Miss Montana crown. "It's crazy to think I am actually, as of yesterday [July 29], one month out from traveling to Orlando to compete for the title of Miss America."

"And that's like one of those little kid dreams."

The 2026 Miss America competition will be at the Walt Disney Theater beginning on September 2 and concluding with the finals on September 7.

Will We Have A First Miss Montana Turn Miss America?

Since the first Miss America was crowned in 1921, there have been 98 winners.

Of the nearly 100 winners, none hail from Montana. Seventeen states and Puerto Rico have never won Miss America, including Montana.

Fun Fact: New York leads with 7 titles won. 

"There's been two women who have been representing Montana who have made it to the top 10 at Miss America," eplained Tate.

"I, personally, like to break records, and so I'm looking to do that."

READ MORE: Montana Lawmakers Pushing Foreign Tourist Fees For National Parks

The Road To Miss America

Tate's schedule is BUSY. Miss Montana is scheduled for multiple media appearances each week leading up to Orlando.

"One of my favorite things is getting to visit hospitals," Tate said enthusiastically. "I was actually able to visit Community Medical Center in Missoula here last week... and then next week I'm able to go to Shodair's Children Hospital, and I'm really looking forward to that."

On top of the public appearances, Tate will continue to "perfect" her routines for the big event next month which includes a monologue dedicated to her mother.

Good luck, Haley.

You can follow Haley's journey on Instagram here.