The Find Out Podcast: From Public Housing to Public Office? Meet Deja Foxx

Release Date: June 12, 2025

In the latest episode of The Find Out Podcast, host Tim Fullerton engages in a compelling conversation with Deja Foxx, a dynamic 25-year-old congressional candidate running for Arizona's 7th district. Positioned to become the youngest member of Congress if elected, Deja brings a fresh perspective rooted in personal experience and grassroots activism. This detailed summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key topics, insightful exchanges, and Deja's vision for a transformative political landscape.

1. Introduction to Deja Foxx [00:00 - 01:10]

Tim Fullerton introduces Deja Foxx, emphasizing her unique position as a young candidate with a decade-long involvement in politics, contrary to perceptions that her age might equate to inexperience.

• Tim Fullerton: “You are 25 years old, and a lot of people when they hear that age, they're like, oh, she must have just got into politics... But you've actually been in politics for about a decade, right?”

2. Deja’s Personal Journey and Early Activism [01:10 - 06:55]

Deja shares her upbringing in Tucson, Arizona, detailing the challenges she faced, including navigating public assistance programs and experiencing hidden homelessness due to her mother's addiction. These personal hardships ignited her passion for activism at the age of 15, leading her to successfully advocate for the overhaul of outdated sex education curricula in her local school district.

• Deja Foxx: “I started showing up to my school board meetings, telling my story and demanding that they do better... after six months... we won a unanimous victory to rewrite the sex education curriculum” [02:51].

3. Impact of Policy on Personal Life and Advocacy [06:55 - 16:10]

Deja delves into how national policies, particularly those under the Trump administration, directly affected her life. She recounts confronting Senator Jeff Flake about his vote to defund Planned Parenthood, a moment that propelled her into the public eye and solidified her commitment to political activism.

• Deja Foxx: “I asked why he would deny me the American dream if birth control and Planned Parenthood were helping me to be successful... and I said, no thank you” [10:31].

4. The Power of Personal Storytelling and Communication Strategies [16:10 - 30:03]

The conversation shifts to the importance of effective communication in politics. Deja criticizes the Democratic Party's failure to connect with young voters, particularly young men, due to their reliance on outdated media channels. She advocates for leveraging social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to engage and mobilize the younger demographic.

• Deja Foxx: “When 39% of adults under 30 are getting their news on TikTok, if we don't elect people better messengers who can communicate in those spaces... we are going to be in a really bad spot” [17:08].

5. Challenges Faced by Young Candidates and Systemic Barriers [30:03 - 40:46]

Deja highlights the systemic obstacles that hinder young and non-dynastic candidates, such as the necessity to publicly disclose personal information and the financial burdens of campaigning without access to wealthy donor networks. She contrasts her campaign's reliance on small-dollar donations with her opponent's advantage of inherited donor lists and political legacies.

• Deja Foxx: “99% of our contributions are small dollar donors... just people like you. And our average contribution is $28” [43:23].

6. Addressing Immigration and Authoritarianism [30:47 - 36:30]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on immigration policies and the rise of authoritarian tactics under the Trump administration. Deja passionately condemns ICE's aggressive operations, such as raids in schools and medical centers, and stresses the need for humane immigration reform. She underscores the personal impact of these policies, sharing her experiences of receiving essential healthcare through Planned Parenthood.

• Deja Foxx: “There is nothing about his policies that do immigrants make our communities safer. ICE does not. Donald Trump does not” [24:09].

7. Mobilizing Against Authoritarianism and Shaping Future Narratives [36:30 - 46:57]

Deja emphasizes the urgency of resisting authoritarianism by fostering authentic and relatable political narratives. She believes that democratizing storytelling through real-time, first-person accounts can effectively counteract oppressive policies and reshape public perception. Her approach involves not only running for office but also actively engaging with creators and leveraging digital tools to amplify her message.

• Deja Foxx: “We need to break through with personal stories... these policies are not just talking points for me, I've lived them” [14:16].

8. Campaign Strategies and Engagement with Creators [40:13 - 47:09]

Deja outlines her innovative campaign strategies that integrate digital storytelling and collaboration with content creators. By treating her campaign as a digital endeavor, she aims to harness the power of online platforms to reach a broader audience and foster grassroots support.

• Deja Foxx: “I am a creator running for office... It's not just about how I would engage with creators, but with how creators can engage with the political process” [40:13].

9. Final Thoughts and Call to Action [47:21 - 49:38]

As the episode concludes, Deja shares her upcoming campaign activities, including participation in Pride parades and anti-Trump rallies. She invites listeners to support her campaign through her website, dejafox.com, emphasizing the importance of small-dollar donations and community involvement.

• Deja Foxx: “There are better days ahead of us. Really. I know this is true” [48:58].

• Tim Fullerton: “Please go to her website, dejafox.com... follow her on Tik Tok” [49:16].

Key Takeaways

• Personal Experience as Policy Advocacy: Deja's firsthand experiences with public housing, healthcare, and homelessness inform her political stance and drive her activism.

• Effective Communication is Crucial: Leveraging modern digital platforms is essential for reaching and engaging younger voters, especially young men who may feel disconnected from traditional political messaging.

• Systemic Barriers for New Candidates: Overcoming financial and structural obstacles is vital for young and non-dynastic candidates to gain traction in politics.

• Urgency in Combating Authoritarianism: Active resistance against oppressive immigration policies and authoritarian tactics is necessary to safeguard American communities and uphold democratic values.

• Grassroots and Digital Integration: Combining grassroots activism with robust digital strategies can create a powerful movement capable of influencing significant political change.

Conclusion

This episode of The Find Out Podcast offers an inspiring glimpse into the journey of a young, passionate candidate striving to reshape the political landscape. Deja Foxx's blend of personal narrative, strategic activism, and innovative use of digital media exemplifies the evolving nature of political engagement in contemporary America. Listeners are left with a sense of optimism and urgency, underscoring the importance of supporting authentic voices committed to meaningful change.