Deja Foxx Runs for Congress in Arizona’s 7th District

A young social media influencer and progressive activist, Deja Foxx, is making waves as she competes in a Democratic primary to take over the seat of the late Raul Grijalva, who passed away due to complications from cancer treatment in March.

At just 25, Foxx stands out among the five candidates contesting in the special election. The winners from the Democratic and Republican primaries will meet in a special election scheduled for September 23, which will fill the remaining 15 months of Grijalva’s term. This district is predominantly Democratic, stretching from Tucson to Yuma and encompassing a significant portion of Arizona’s southern border with Mexico.

Raul Grijalva, a prominent figure, died at age 77.

Foxx expressed her determination on social media, stating, “This moment requires more than a politician. You deserve a fighter. This is more than a campaign. It’s a movement. This is a fight for our future.”

Previously gaining attention for her advocacy for reproductive rights, Foxx has garnered support from notable figures like David Hogg, a gun control advocate. Hogg was recently engaged in campaigning across the district, suggesting he believes Foxx’s efforts have the potential to “make history in southwestern Arizona.”

The race is drawing parallels to the New York mayoral primary regarding the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party, especially among differing factions. It serves as an indicator of the party’s direction as it navigates internal conflicts between establishment figures and progressive newcomers.

Currently, the frontrunner appears to be Adelita Grijalva, the late congressman’s daughter, who has backing from key state Democrats, including Senator Mark Kelly and Attorney General Chris Mays. This positions her favorably within the campaign landscape.

Other candidates vying for the Democratic nomination include former state lawmaker Daniel Hernandez and Indigenous activist Jose Malvid Jr., along with healthcare executive Patrick Harris Sr.

On the Republican side, local figures such as contractor Daniel Butierrez and restaurant owner Jorge Rivas are also competing for their party’s nomination.

With over $2 million spent on advertisements in the Democratic primary, much of it coming from outside organizations, there’s certainly considerable interest in the outcomes of these elections. Polling places will close at 7 PM local time (10 PM ET), with results expected to be reported an hour later.