A 25-year-old social media influencer and progressive activist, Deja Foxx, is aiming to replicate the success of Zohran Mamdani by securing an unexpected victory in a high-stakes Democratic congressional primary. As a social media sensation, Foxx gained national attention in her teenage years for confronting then-Republican Sen. Jeff Flake over reproductive rights issues. Now, she stands at the forefront of Arizona’s political scene with a campaign that is being backed by David Hogg, a gun-control advocate and former Democratic National Committee vice chair.
The race for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District is a significant event on the national stage, as it is one of the most Democratic-leaning districts in the country. The contest to fill the late Rep. Raul Grijalva’s seat is expected to be a decisive moment for the Democratic Party, showcasing its internal divisions between its establishment and progressive factions. Foxx’s campaign, which has gained momentum in recent weeks, is being viewed by many political analysts as a potential turning point in the party’s trajectory.
David Hogg, who recently departed from his role as DNC vice chair following a contentious tenure, has been a vocal supporter of progressive candidates challenging traditional political figures. His endorsement of Foxx signals a continued push within the Democratic Party to empower younger, more radical candidates. As he campaigns alongside Foxx, Hogg predicts that she will ‘make history’ in Southwest Arizona, drawing parallels to the unprecedented victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, where he defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The primary race is not only a contest for the congressional seat, but also a reflection of shifting political dynamics within the Democratic Party. With candidates like Adelita Grijalva, the daughter of the late Rep. Raul Grijalva, and progressive heavyweights like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backing the establishment candidate, the race is shaping up to be a highly competitive and significant event for the party’s future direction.
The upcoming primary is set to be a crucial test of the Democratic Party’s ability to balance its ideological spectrum. With a highly contested field and significant financial investment in the campaign, the election is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the party’s strategic direction and internal cohesion.