Deja Foxx, a 25-year-old progressive activist and social media influencer, was soundly defeated in Tuesday night’s special election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Despite national attention and high-profile endorsements, Foxx finished more than 40 points behind her opponent, marking a clear setback for progressives aiming to usher in a new generation of political leadership.

The Associated Press called the race for Adelita Grijalva—daughter of the late Rep. Raúl Grijalva and a veteran Pima County Supervisor—after just 65% of the vote had been counted. Grijalva, 54, secured roughly 62% of the vote, compared to Foxx’s 21%. The decisive margin quickly ended speculation that the race might become a springboard for an emerging digital-first political movement.

Backed by activist David Hogg and the PAC “Leaders We Deserve,” Foxx entered the race with nearly 400,000 TikTok followers, a strong social media presence, and a personal story rooted in adversity. Her campaign highlighted her upbringing in Section 8 housing, reliance on food stamps, and early reproductive rights advocacy as evidence of her “lived experience.”

Nevertheless, these efforts failed to sway voters in the heavily Democratic district, where local organizing and family legacy proved more persuasive.

Grijalva, widely viewed as her father’s political successor, ran a disciplined and well-resourced campaign, bolstered by endorsements from key Democratic figures including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. Her candidacy appeared to reassure voters who valued continuity and community ties.

Online, the result reverberated quickly. “She lost by 40,” one user posted on X, referencing an earlier *Politico* report suggesting Foxx “might have a real shot” at the seat.

Foxx publicly conceded the race but emphasized the campaign’s broader impact. “I couldn’t be prouder of what we built together,” she said, noting that her campaign began “alone in her bedroom” and grew into a grassroots operation that “shattered expectations.” She pledged continued activism, stating, “We’re not going anywhere,” and endorsed Grijalva moving forward.

Despite raising more than \$670,000—largely from small-dollar donations—and adopting a digitally focused field strategy, Foxx’s campaign ultimately fell short. Her efforts to modernize traditional outreach did not overcome Grijalva’s established base and long-standing community presence.

Complicating matters further, both candidates campaigned on similar platforms. Each expressed support for Medicare for All, environmental justice, tribal sovereignty, and opposition to former President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. That policy overlap led many voters to question the need to replace an experienced local leader with a relative newcomer, even one with national recognition and progressive credentials.

In her victory speech, Grijalva paid tribute to her father’s legacy and her community. “This is a victory not for me, but for our community and the progressive movement my dad started in Southern Arizona more than 50 years ago,” she said.

“We delivered a message rooted not just in fighting back against a dangerous and tyrannical administration—but in fighting for something: for our democracy, for the dignity of working people, and for the values that truly define Southern Arizona.”