Progressive influencer Deja Foxx faced a significant defeat in Arizona’s 7th Congressional District, losing by over 40 points in a surprising outcome that shocked far-left activists.
The Associated Press declared the race in favor of 54-year-old Adelita Grijalva with only 65% of the votes counted.
Grijalva, who serves as a Pima County Supervisor and is the daughter of the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva, secured 62% of the votes, as reported by Trending Politics. In contrast, Foxx, a 25-year-old digital influencer with nearly 400,000 followers on TikTok, garnered only 21%.
This outcome served as a wake-up call for progressives who aspired to replace a political dynasty with a social media figure. Foxx received prominent endorsements from David Hogg and the PAC “Leaders We Deserve.”
She became eligible to run for Congress only in April. Her campaign heavily emphasized her “lived experience,” showcasing her upbringing in Section 8 housing, reliance on food stamps, and early advocacy for abortion rights.
However, her efforts were unsuccessful. Grijalva was the clear frontrunner from the outset, supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. Her established name, financial backing, and party support facilitated her path to victory. Foxx attempted to portray the defeat as a moral victory.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what we built together,” she stated. She reflected on beginning “alone in her bedroom” and creating a movement that “shattered expectations.” Nevertheless, the statistics reveal the reality.
“She lost by 40,” one user on X remarked, referencing a Politico headline that had previously suggested Foxx might have a “real shot.”
Foxx raised over $670,000 primarily from small-dollar contributors and sought to innovate field campaigning through social media. Unfortunately, this strategy did not succeed.
Despite both candidates advocating nearly identical platforms—supporting Medicare for All, tribal sovereignty, environmental justice, and opposing Donald Trump—voters opted for the more recognizable name.
Grijalva had deep local connections that spanned decades, which was evident. During her victory speech, she expressed gratitude to her father and the voters who upheld the legacy.
“This victory is not solely for me, but for our community and the progressive movement initiated by my father in Southern Arizona over 50 years ago,” she stated.
“We conveyed a message that is not only about resisting a perilous and oppressive administration but also about advocating for something: for our democracy, for the dignity of working individuals, and for the values that genuinely characterize Southern Arizona.”
In New York, progressives are making efforts to challenge the Democratic leader of the House in the primaries.
Zohran Mamdani’s allies, who identify as democratic socialists, are reportedly contemplating primary challenges next year against several congressional Democrats in New York City, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Nevertheless, a senior political advisor to Jeffries has pledged that anyone attempting to displace the leading Democrat in the House during the upcoming primaries will encounter a “forceful and unrelenting” reaction, as reported by Fox News.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman from Queens born in Uganda and a democratic socialist, created political waves nationwide with his decisive victory two weeks ago over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and nine other candidates in the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City.
His victory represents a significant milestone toward potentially becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor, while also indicating the Democratic Party’s growing shift towards the extreme far-left.
Following Mamdani’s primary win in June, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) emphasized that “this movement transcends any single individual, election, city, or organization.”
“We urge all individuals inspired by the Zohran campaign to join their local DSA or YDSA chapter and engage so we can continue to fight alongside Zohran and DSA elected officials nationwide to build the future we all deserve,” the party further stated.
In light of Mamdani’s recent victory, it has been reported that leaders of the DSA are contemplating the possibility of initiating primary challenges not only against Jeffries but also against other House Democrats who represent districts in New York City, such as Representatives Ritchie Torres, Jerry Nadler, Dan Goldman, and Yvette Clarke, as noted by Fox.
