Indian-American Democrat Pia Dandiya has achieved a landmark victory in the US Midterm Elections, winning Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. Dandiya secured approximately 51.9 percent of the vote, defeating Republican nominee and Marine Corps veteran Casey Askar, who garnered 48.1 percent. With this victory, she becomes only the second Indian-American woman elected to the United States House of Representatives, following Representative Pramila Jayapal.
Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Florida, Dandiya is the daughter of Indian immigrants who arrived in the United States from Jaipur, Rajasthan, during the 1980s. Her father, Dr. Rohit Dandiya, established his medical practice in Florida, while her mother founded a local Montessori school in Jupiter when she was 40 to support her daughter’s early education. Throughout her childhood, Dandiya spent significant time visiting family in India, experiences she credits with shaping her understanding of global democracies and social equality.
A Harvard University graduate, Dandiya has dedicated her career to education and public service. Her background includes teaching English to children in slum communities in Delhi, working as a teacher and high school principal in Harlem, and serving as a White House Fellow. She also gained private sector experience working at Apple before launching her congressional campaign.
The contest in Florida’s 22nd District a redrawn district spanning Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry, and Collier counties became one of the most closely watched races of the midterms. Focusing her campaign on economic affordability, education, and public service, Dandiya successfully flipped the seat, contributing to major Democratic gains in the House of Representatives.
