DJ Daniel’s dad runs for Texas’ 18th district during son’s fight with cancer

Devarjay Daniel Launches Congressional Campaign Amid Personal Struggles

When Devarjay “DJ” Daniel received a diagnosis of an aggressive cancer, his father, Theodis Daniel, found the strength to advocate for him. It was a turning point, to say the least.

“The first thing I did was reach out to Fox News Digital,” Daniel shared. He’s now setting his sights on Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

Entering a competitive race with candidates from varied political backgrounds, Theodis emphasized that DJ’s campaign stands out. “I’m just a regular guy, not a politician. No fancy deals here. I’m a single dad with three kids, trying to make a difference, despite my challenges,” he said.

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Daniel’s motivation extends beyond his own narrative. He wants to represent the people in Texas’ 18th Congressional District. “Every day, I get up and strive to make a difference,” he stated.

He does not label himself a politician, asserting that his true obligation lies with the constituents. His campaign focuses on pressing matters like law enforcement, safety, healthcare, and education. “These are not just abstract ideas. They affect my family and me directly,” he remarked.

In a touching moment earlier this year, DJ, now 13, was honored as a U.S. Honorary Secret Service Agent during a joint address by President Donald Trump. The moment resonated throughout the nation, leading to an invitation for DJ to visit the White House shortly thereafter.

Trump described DJ as a young person with dreams of becoming a police officer and presented him with the honorary designation himself. “We are asking our new Secret Service Director, Sean Curran, to officially become an agent of the Secret Service,” Trump announced.

The recognition from over 1,300 law enforcement agencies nationwide was also later confirmed by the White House.

Theodis expressed, “We overcame obstacles and brought joy and hope to others during our six-year journey.”

In Daniel’s view, the people of his district have been misled, and he believes they deserve genuine progress. He also plans to advocate for term limits if he wins. “Many elected officials get too comfortable,” he warned, “and a sense of complacency can lead to negligence.”

Daniel elaborated, suggesting that just like marinating meat can sometimes ruin it, long tenures can spoil effectiveness in office. “People become lazy, and when they get lazy, they can be forgettable and rude,” he said.

A special election in Texas is scheduled for November 4th to fill the void left by the late Representative Sylvester Turner, who served the district for nearly 30 years before passing away in July 2024. His successor, Turner, also passed away in March 2025, which brings a sense of urgency to the current election.