A popular social media influencer and political newcomer, Deja Foxx, faced a significant defeat in the recent Democratic primary for the congressional seat that was vacated following the passing of Rep. Raul Grijalva in March. The primary election concluded with the victory of Adelita Grijalva, the daughter of the late congressman. Adelita emerged as a strong candidate, backed by influential figures within the Democratic Party, including prominent progressive lawmakers like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
After the results were announced, Adelita Grijalva took to her official Instagram page to express her gratitude and reflect on the significance of her victory. She stated, “This is a victory not for me, but for our community and the progressive movement my dad started in Southern Arizona more than 50 years ago.” Grijalva emphasized the importance of fighting for democracy and the dignity of working people, adding that her campaign was rooted in the values that define Southern Arizona: “justice, equity, and opportunity for all.”
Rep. Raul Grijalva, who served for 22 years in Congress, passed away in March due to complications from cancer treatment. His death left a pivotal seat open in Arizona's 7th district, a key swing area that Trump had won with 52% of the vote in the 2024 election. The district is predominantly Democratic, as noted by the Cook Political Report, which means that the Democratic primary winner is typically favored to win in the general election scheduled for September 23. With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House, they are eager to capitalize on any opportunity to expand their presence in Congress.
Deja Foxx was among the candidates endorsed by Leaders We Deserve, a political organization founded by former Democratic National Committee vice chair David Hogg. This organization aims to support primary candidates against sitting Democrats who they believe are not adequately addressing contemporary issues. Hogg, a notable Gen Z political activist who gained recognition after surviving the Parkland shooting in 2018, has raised significant funds—reportedly up to $20 million—to support these primary campaigns. The organization also backed Zohran Mamdani, who recently pulled off a surprising victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor against former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
While both Deja Foxx and Adelita Grijalva campaigned on progressive platforms, their approaches and backgrounds differ significantly. Foxx, a burgeoning political figure known for her social media influence, represents a younger generation of activists. In contrast, Grijalva's campaign is deeply rooted in a legacy of political activism established by her father. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the contrasting styles and strategies of candidates like Foxx and Grijalva highlight the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party.
