TUCSON, Ariz. — Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old reproductive rights advocate and digital strategist, announced her candidacy for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District on June 10, 2025. If elected, Foxx would become the youngest woman ever to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, bringing a new generation’s perspective to national politics.
Foxx’s campaign emerges in the wake of Representative Raúl Grijalva’s passing in March 2025, which left the seat vacant for the first time in over two decades. The special election to fill the position is scheduled for September 23, 2025, with the Democratic primary set for July 15.
A Personal Journey to Public Service
Raised in Tucson by a single mother, Foxx experienced firsthand the challenges faced by working-class families. Her family relied on public assistance programs such as SNAP and Medicaid to make ends meet. At 15, she faced housing instability, an experience that galvanized her commitment to advocacy.
Foxx first gained national attention at 17 when she confronted then-Senator Jeff Flake over his stance on Planned Parenthood funding during a town hall meeting. Her pointed questioning highlighted the disparities in access to reproductive healthcare and underscored her dedication to social justice issues.
After graduating from Columbia University, where she became the first in her family to earn a college degree, Foxx returned to Arizona to continue her advocacy work. She has since been involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering young women and marginalized communities.
Campaign Focus and Vision
Foxx’s campaign centers on addressing systemic inequalities and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups. She emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in shaping effective policies, stating, “Families like mine, girls who grew up like me… deserve a fighter.”
Her platform includes advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare, affordable housing, and accessible education. Foxx also aims to reform the Democratic Party’s approach to governance, criticizing its top-down strategies and calling for more grassroots engagement. She believes that policies should be informed by direct input from constituents, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
Navigating a Competitive Race
The race for Arizona’s 7th District is expected to be highly competitive. Foxx faces several Democratic contenders, including Adelita Grijalva, daughter of the late Congressman, and former state legislator Daniel Hernández Jr. Despite being considered a political newcomer, Foxx brings a decade of activism and political experience to her campaign, having worked on Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaigns and spoken at the Democratic National Convention.
Foxx’s campaign strategy leverages her strong social media presence to engage younger voters and mobilize support. She utilizes platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share her campaign journey, aiming to make politics more accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
A Movement Beyond Politics
Beyond her candidacy, Foxx seeks to inspire a new generation of leaders. She encourages young people, particularly women and those from marginalized communities, to become involved in politics and advocacy. Her campaign serves as a testament to the impact of grassroots organizing and the power of personal narratives in effecting change.
As the special election approaches, Foxx’s candidacy represents a significant shift in the political landscape, highlighting the increasing influence of young, diverse voices in shaping the future of American politics.
