Indian-American educator Pia Dandiya is running for the US House of Representatives from Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District in the 2026 midterm elections. She secured the Democratic nomination in the district and is set to face Republican candidate Casey Askar in the November general election.
Born and raised in Palm Beach County to parents who immigrated from India, Dandiya began her career as a teacher before becoming a high school principal. She later served as a White House Fellow at the Department of Education and worked in public-sector innovation at Apple.
Dandiya initially entered the race in Florida’s 21st Congressional District but moved to the newly configured 22nd District following changes to the state’s congressional map. The new district covers parts of South Florida and includes areas across Broward, Palm Beach, Collier and Hendry counties.
In the Democratic primary, Dandiya defeated attorney Kaysia Earley, receiving about 69 per cent of the vote. Casey Askar won the Republican primary, setting up the November contest for the congressional seat.
Dandiya has highlighted education, affordability and support for working families among the issues central to her campaign. Her campaign biography also points to her experience in education, government and technology as part of her professional background.
Her campaign has described her candidacy as an effort to expand opportunities for families and strengthen public education. If elected, Dandiya would become Florida’s first South Asian American member of Congress, according to reporting on her campaign and candidacy.
