The Democratic Party has expanded its campaign strategy for the upcoming US congressional elections by adding two Indian-American candidates, Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya, to its Red to Blue program. The initiative is designed to strengthen Democratic campaigns in competitive districts currently held by or leaning toward Republicans, as the party works to regain control of the House of Representatives in November.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) recently announced five new additions to the program, with Shah and Dandiya among the selected candidates. The committee is currently supporting 30 congressional hopefuls it believes have the strongest chance of flipping Republican-held seats through enhanced fundraising, campaign resources, and organizational support.
Indian-American physician and former Arizona state representative Amish Shah is running in Arizona’s First Congressional District. He will face Republican candidate Jay Feely, a former National Football League player who has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement. Shah secured the Democratic nomination after defeating former television journalist Marlene Galan-Woods in the primary election.
Pia Dandiya, another Indian-American candidate, is contesting Florida’s 22nd Congressional District in South Florida. The newly redrawn district does not have an incumbent representative, making it one of the closely watched races this election cycle. Dandiya previously sought the Democratic nomination in a neighboring district before shifting her campaign following redistricting.
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene praised Dandiya’s background, describing her as a working mother committed to improving affordability, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and advocating for South Florida families. The committee believes her experience and priorities make her a strong contender in the district.
Indian American Impact, an organization dedicated to increasing Indian-American representation in public office, welcomed the announcement. The group said Indian-American leaders will play an important role in the effort to regain Democratic control of the House and strengthen democratic institutions.
Shah, who was born in Chicago to Gujarati immigrant parents, earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Northwestern University before entering public service. Dandiya, a first-generation American born in Florida to Indian immigrant parents, began her career as a teacher before becoming one of the nation’s youngest high school principals. She later founded a school focused on helping students from low-income families achieve higher education opportunities.
The current House of Representatives includes several Indian-American lawmakers, reflecting the community’s growing influence in national politics. With Shah and Dandiya now receiving support through the Red to Blue program, Democrats are increasing Indian-American representation in their campaign strategy as they prepare for the November elections and seek to secure a House majority.
