Gen Z Activism in Politics Creates Change in Upcoming Race Polls

Leaders We Deserve has endorsed Deja Foxx ahead of the July 15 primary for a special election in Arizona's consistently Democratic 7th district. The organization emphasized the 25-year-old candidate's decade-long history of battling Republicans and establishment officials, emphasizing that her activism began when she was only 15 years old.

David Hogg's political organization is backing Gen Z activist Deja Foxx in an upcoming Arizona congressional primary, which could serve as an indicator for voters' willingness to embrace generational change in politics.

He emphasized Foxx's personal background in his endorsement statement, pointing to her experience relying on government assistance programs including Medicaid, Section 8 housing, and food stamps.

Additionally describing how she worked at a gas station to support herself while living independently as her single mother battled addiction. According to Hogg, Foxx represents underrepresented communities in politics and embodies a new vision of generational change that directly opposes Trump's policies.

“Think about the impression this election will send to the establishment — replacing one of the oldest members of Congress with the youngest.” Stated Hogg on X. 

This endorsement marks the latest move from Leaders We Deserve, a political action committee that has committed to spending $20 million through 2026. The PAC has drawn criticism from many establishment Democrats for its stated intention to primary incumbents it considers ineffective. 

In her response to the endorsement, Foxx expressed pride in partnering with Leaders We Deserve, describing it as an organization that recognizes young people's capacity to transform politics and advocate for overlooked communities.

“Because a different way of doing politics isn’t just possible, it’s necessary.” expressed Foxx. 

The endorsement puts the Hogg-led PAC in opposition to major Democratic figures who have rallied behind Adelita Grijalva, Grijalva's daughter. She has secured endorsements from Democratic Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, as well as progressive leaders Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, creating a split between the upstart PAC and established voices in both wings of the Democratic party.

“We have surged 25% in just over a month–we’re running against a career politician, with a legacy last name who inherited her dad, the former Congressman’s, fundraising list” she said. 

The September special election will likely be decided by this Democratic primary, as the district's strong blue voting history makes a Republican victory highly unlikely.