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A 25-year-old social media influencer and progressive activist is on the verge of making political history as she campaigns to secure a seat in the high-stakes Democratic congressional primary. Deja Foxx is determined to replicate the success of fellow progressive Zohran Mamdani by achieving a come-from-behind victory in a race that has captured national attention.
Foxx is the youngest candidate among the five vying for a chance to fill the seat left vacant by the late Congressman Raul Grijalva, who passed away in March due to complications from cancer treatment.
The Democratic and Republican primary winners will proceed to a special election on September 23, tasked with serving the final 15 months of Grijalva’s term in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. This area, known for its strong Democratic leanings, stretches from Tucson to Yuma and covers nearly the entire southern border of Arizona with Mexico.
In advocating for her vision, Foxx declared via social media, “This moment calls for more than a politician. You deserve a fighter. This is more than a campaign. This is a movement. This is a fight for our future.”
Notably, Foxx gained prominence as a teenager when she confronted then-Republican Senator Jeff Flake regarding reproductive rights, which catapulted her into the spotlight. She now enjoys the endorsement of David Hogg, a gun-control advocate and activist who recently resigned from his role as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Hogg’s resignation resulted from tensions within the party, stemming from his support for challenging entrenched incumbents in safe Democratic districts.
Hogg campaigned alongside Foxx over the weekend, expressing confidence in her potential to “make history in Southwest Arizona.” He has drawn parallels between her rising popularity and that of Mamdani, who won the New York City mayoral primary by defeating ten other candidates, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The contest in southern Arizona represents a significant moment for the Democratic Party as it navigates internal divisions between its moderate and progressive factions. Political analysts view this race as a referendum on the party’s future direction, opening discussions on reform and representation within the party.
Leading the race is 54-year-old former Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, the daughter of the late congressman. Grijalva boasts support from key figures in Arizona’s Democratic establishment, including Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
Furthermore, Adelita Grijalva aligns with influential figures in the progressive movement, receiving endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both of whom previously supported Mamdani in New York.
The Democratic primary also includes several noteworthy candidates, such as former state Representative Daniel Hernandez, indigenous activist Jose Malvido Jr., and healthcare executive Patrick Harris Sr. This majority-Hispanic district exhibits a strong Democratic advantage, with nearly two registered Democrats for every one registered Republican.
Campaign financial dynamics add another layer to this already competitive primary. More than $2 million has been spent on advertising within the Democratic primary, with substantial contributions from various outside groups.
The Republican side of the race features local business owners such as contractor Daniel Butierez, restaurant owner Jorge Rivas, and general contractor Jimmy Rodriguez, all of whom are vying for the chance to represent their party.
As the clock ticks down to the primary, polls in the district will close at 7 p.m. local time, or 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Voters are eagerly awaiting the results, which will not be disclosed until one hour after the polls close. In this critical election, Deja Foxx’s ability to rally voters and surpass established candidates will be closely watched, potentially signaling a shift in both local and national political landscapes.
This race is not just about filling a seat; it reflects the ongoing transformation within the Democratic Party and the future of political engagement among younger voters. As supporters rally around candidates like Foxx, the outcome could redefine the party’s trajectory and inspire a new generation of activism across the country.
