Deja Foxx Suffers Defeat in Arizona's Democratic Primary Election to Adelita Grijalva
In a decisive win, **Adelita Grijalva** has clinched the Democratic primary for Arizona's 7th Congressional District, securing over two-thirds of the vote to replace her late father, U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who passed away in March 2025 [1][3][4].
Grijalva's main opponent in the primary was 25-year-old reproductive rights activist **Deja Foxx**, who ran a well-funded, grassroots campaign but could not match Grijalva’s stronger endorsements, fundraising, and political connections [1]. Despite Foxx's significant following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and her ability to raise nearly a million dollars through small donors, she was unable to overcome Grijalva’s entrenched support in the district [5].
The district, which leans heavily Democratic, virtually ensures Grijalva's success in the upcoming special general election [1][2][4]. Grijalva campaigned on carrying on the progressive legacy of her father, Raúl Grijalva, who was a champion of progressive causes during his 22-year tenure in Arizona [6].
Grijalva's platform includes defending programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and advocating for housing affordability [7]. She has secured major endorsements from progressive heavyweights including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders [8].
The election will result in 126 women serving in the House out of 435 seats, with Grijalva adding to this historic number [9]. Foxx, too, has committed to fighting for the policies that helped her out of poverty [10]. Both candidates are progressives who campaigned on similar platforms.
Grijalva, who has served for over two decades in elected office in Tucson, will now face a special election in September, but will have to defend the seat in the 2026 midterms. The outcome of these elections will impact the slim, eight-seat margin that Republicans currently hold in the U.S. House [2].
Notably, **David Hogg**, an activist who became famous for his work following the Parkland mass shooting, supported Deja Foxx's campaign [5]. Foxx's work as an activist with Planned Parenthood and her role as a digital strategist with the Kamala Harris presidential campaign in 2019 also contributed to her strong online presence and impact on young progressives across the country [3].
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/03/us/politics/adelita-grijalva-wins-arizona-congressional-primary.html [2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/03/politics/house-democrats-seat-arizona/index.html [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/03/deja-foxx-congressional-campaign-arizona/ [4] https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/08/03/adelita-grijalva-wins-arizona-7th-congressional-district-primary/11057011002/ [5] https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/deja-foxx-loses-arizona-primary-congressional-bid-n1248862 [6] https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2025-08-03/adelita-grijalva-wins-arizona-congressional-primary [7] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/03/adelita-grijalva-wins-arizona-congressional-primary-00064547 [8] https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/amp/ncna1248862 [9] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/adelita-grijalva-wins-arizona-congressional-primary/ [10] https://www.foxnews.com/politics/deja-foxx-congressional-campaign-arizona-primary-results.html
- Following Adelita Grijalva's win in the Democratic primary for Arizona's 7th Congressional District, her political victory will likely be discussed in the context of policy-and-legislation, as she has secured the seat formerly held by her father, who was known for his support of progressive causes.
- Deja Foxx, Grijalva's main opponent, though popular among young progressives, was unable to match Grijalva's endorsements and fundraising capabilities, showcasing the importance of political connections and resources in the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics in shaping election outcomes.
