The Mamdani momentum faced a significant setback in the deserts of southern Arizona during the Democratic primary election held on Tuesday night. In a contest that juxtaposed continuity and experience against generational change, voters ultimately opted for familiarity, nominating Adelita Grijalva, the eldest daughter of Representative Raúl Grijalva, to succeed her father. Raúl Grijalva had represented the House seat for over 20 years until his passing in March. The Associated Press quickly declared victory for Ms. Grijalva, who garnered over 60 percent of the votes counted.
On the other hand, Deja Foxx, a Gen Z activist who aimed to replicate the youthful enthusiasm of Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for New York City mayor, captured significant attention on social media but fell short at the polls. At just 25 years old, Foxx managed to secure about 20 percent of the votes, unable to convert her viral support into an electoral win. Meanwhile, Daniel Hernandez, a former state lawmaker and moderate candidate, received 14 percent of the votes. Hernandez campaigned on the belief that Democrats should pivot away from social issues to better address economic struggles and reclaim the support of Hispanic men, who had shifted notably towards President Trump in the 2024 elections.
Looking ahead, Ms. Grijalva is virtually guaranteed victory in the upcoming special election on September 23, where she will face the Republican primary victor, Daniel Butierez, in a district that leans heavily Democratic. Her recent win illustrates the limitations of anti-establishment sentiment in a predominantly Latino area, where many constituents maintain a strong appreciation for her father's legacy and his unwavering support for immigrants and environmental issues.
Young progressives and disillusioned Democrats had hoped for a shift in leadership, advocating for a new face in the political arena rather than merely a change in policies. They aspired to replicate the anti-establishment fervor that propelled Mamdani to victory against well-known rivals, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, in New York's mayoral primary. Critics labeled Ms. Grijalva’s candidacy as a reflection of a sclerotic Democratic Party that relies on familiar, yet uninspiring candidates instead of embracing fresh voices.
Despite the prevailing national sentiment against establishment Democrats, Ms. Grijalva leveraged her family's deep-rooted connections in southern Arizona to her advantage. She received endorsements from Arizona's two Democratic senators, as well as notable progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, who served as a model for Ms. Foxx, albeit not an ally.
Ultimately, Adelita Grijalva’s victory underscores the enduring influence of established political legacies in certain districts and the complex dynamics at play within the Democratic Party as it navigates the desires for change against the backdrop of long-standing familial ties and political traditions.
