Francis Cunningham chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about representing Washington, the “Evergreen State,” in the 2026 Mister USA competition.
American author, educator, and orator Booker T. Washington once said: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” This quote applies to Francis Cunningham, 20, who is working in finance.
“I’m sure we’ve all had that voice,” he admitted. “So, just power through and push through and know that in the end, success will come to you if you do not quit. So, you just need to keep going.”
“Presently, I’m in an online finance school. So, I’m working in finance. I would like to get more into personal training and help people better themselves holistically, which includes their diets, physiques, and their mental states.”
Mister USA
Mister USA is an American beauty pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the Mister Universe competition. It is a celebration of culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence and empowerment.
It believes in the power of young leaders to make a difference in the world. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants.
On competing for Mister USA, he exclaimed, “It feels amazing! It’s crazy and this opportunity came out of nowhere. I literally started modeling back in February, towards the start of 2026. Someone at my workplace suggested I try our modeling so I decided to give it a try.”
“Then, a couple of months down the line, I did Swim Week in Miami, and then, Mister USA reached out to me to represent the state of Washington, and I told them ‘absolutely.’ I love Washington because my cousin lives in Seattle for work. He was the one who encouraged me to move to Florida, which is where I reside now,” he explained.
“Washington is such a beautiful state,” he admitted. “I am so thrilled to be representing it at this year’s Mister USA pageant!”
Advocacy for this year’s Mister USA
Cunningham is advocating for men’s mental health in this year’s Mister USA competition. “I’m advocating just for the message of not quitting on yourself ever,” he underscored. “Know that no matter what, no matter what life throws at you, or how hard times are, you must ignore that little voice in your head that’s telling you to quit because we all have it.”
“Mental health is such a huge deal, especially in this day and age,” he under scored. “I feel it’s definitely something that is overlooked, especially with men.”
Francis Cunningham on why he should win this year’s Mister USA pageant
When asked why he should win Mister USA this year, he responded, “What makes me stand out is my message of trying to persuade others to not quit, ever,” he said. “They should always keep pursuing their dreams. Even though you may get knocked down several times, get back up!”
Plans for the future
On his plans for the future, he shared, “My plans are just to keep inspiring people to not quit and to take charge of their lives… to get into the gym, to get into shape, to eat well and to sleep well. You only walk the world once… you only get one trip around the world, so make the most of it and be as healthy as possible so you can enjoy every single moment.”
Stage of his life
Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, Francis revealed, “Growth.” “I’m in a growing stage,” he admitted. “I am no longer in my teen years, and I just turned 20 years old a few months ago. I am fully stepping into adulthood now.”
Superpower of choice
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “super strength” in order to help people when they need it most. “Also, physical and mental strength can help get them through hard times,” he said.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Francis said, “Success means finding yourself and having a great group of people surrounded by you.”
“Also, being the best person you could possibly be and someone who inspires others. Success does not have monetary value to me… it is simply about finding yourself as a person and being the best human you can possibly be,” he explained.
“Being a positive light in this world is what success means to me,” he added.
Message for fans and supporters
For his fans and supporters, he expressed, “Thank you guys for all the votes, first and foremost. So, whoever has voted for me so far, thank you! Second, I am going to keep preaching the message of not quitting and to keep moving forward.”
“I am going to do everything in my power to be a positive light in this world… to drive others, motivate others, and to genuinely try my best and to meet some very good people. In this competition, I want to be someone who lives up to his word,” he concluded.
To learn more about 2026 Mister Washington Francis Cunningham, follow him on Instagram.
