Devarjay “DJ” Daniel, 13, is the young boy with a dream of being a police officer who stole hearts across America when, during President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress months ago, was made an honorary member of the U.S. Secret Service.
Now his father has announced his candidacy to be the U.S. representative for the 18th congressional district in Texas.
The brief time Daniel was the focal point during Trump’s address highlighted the scorn with which Democrats view patriotic Americans, as the party members refused to stand in honor of the young boy, fighting to live with a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Democrats refuse to stand for DJ who had brain cancer and was made an honorary United States Secret Service agent. pic.twitter.com/Mkp348we48
— Kim “Katie” USA (@KimKatieUSA) March 5, 2025
A report from the Gateway Pundit explained he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
“Democrats stood stone-faced, while the ghouls refused to stand and honor a child who is fighting for his life,” the report said.
Now is father, Theodis Daniel, has confirmed his campaign for Congress.
Fox Digital noted that he joins a crowded field for the seat.
“I’m a regular guy. I am not a politician. I don’t have six-figure deals. I’m just a regular dude trying to make it. Single dad. I got three kids to myself. I’m a disabled veteran just trying to make a difference regardless of what I’m going through,” he said.
“I’m a public servant first, because my duty is to the people.”
Theodis Daniel, the father of young cancer survivor DJ Daniel, announces his run for Texas’ 18th district seat. pic.twitter.com/hTv28rkKJG
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 14, 2025
At the time, Trump announced, “Joining us in the gallery tonight is a young man who truly loves our police. His name is DJ Daniel, he is 13 years old, and he has always dreamed of becoming a police officer. Tonight, DJ, we’re going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service director, Sean Curran, to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service.”
He now has been sworn in as an officer, honorary, at more than 1,300 law enforcement agencies.
Daniel said he’d go to Washington, if elected, take care of business and then go home.
“Sometimes, when you marinate meat, you kind of ruin it. Some people just wear out their welcome. It’s like somebody coming to your house, wanting to stay for a little bit, and they stay there for two or three days,” he said.
“Well, these folks got comfortable. When people get comfortable, they get lazy. When they get lazy, they get forgetful and disrespectful,” Daniel added.
The district was represented in Congress for nearly three decades by Democrat radical Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away in 2024.
‘Get ready for an incredible future’: Trump dazzles the nation in address to Congress