Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has joined the campaign of Indian American Democratic candidate Pia Dandiya in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, where she is facing Republican challenger Casey Askar in a closely contested race ahead of the November 3 election.
Buttigieg joined Dandiya at a campaign canvassing launch in Plantation, Florida, as Democrats intensify efforts to win competitive congressional seats. Buttigieg, who is considered a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028, has been campaigning for party candidates in key races across the country.
The contest has drawn increased attention following a recent poll showing Dandiya narrowly ahead of Askar. The survey, released October 25, found that 46.3 percent of respondents supported Dandiya, compared with 45.5 percent for her Republican opponent.
Sponsored by the super PAC A Fight Worth Having and conducted by RedBox Research from October 20 to 23, the poll surveyed 550 likely voters. Its margin of error was 5.1 percentage points, placing the candidates in a statistical tie.
The survey indicated that Dandiya had a substantial advantage among independent voters, receiving 56.8 percent support compared with 24.9 percent for Askar. Men also favored the Democratic candidate, while women narrowly backed the Republican challenger.
The race has become increasingly competitive, with the Cook Political Report revising its assessment from Lean Republican to Toss-up. However, Decision Desk HQ’s forecast model gave Askar a 58 percent chance of winning as of October 23.
Campaign finances present another challenge for Dandiya. Askar reported nearly $1.9 million in cash on hand as of October 14, compared with approximately $735,000 for Dandiya. The businessman has also lent his campaign about $6.7 million during the election cycle, of which $400,000 had been repaid.
Outside spending has added to the intensity of the contest. No Going Back PAC, funded by MAGA Inc., reported spending approximately $6.5 million opposing Dandiya. Meanwhile, House Majority PAC reported spending $7.84 million against Askar, according to Federal Election Commission filings cited in media reports.
Dandiya, a former educator and technology executive, is receiving support through the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program, which assists Democratic candidates competing in closely contested districts.
Florida’s 22nd Congressional District has historically favored Democrats, but redistricting by state lawmakers reshaped the constituency to give Republicans an estimated advantage of approximately 38,500 voters. Around 55 percent of voters in the revised district supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.
The district’s Democratic incumbent, Lois Frankel, decided not to seek reelection, leaving an open seat that both parties view as an important opportunity in the congressional contest.
With early voting in Florida continuing through October 31, both campaigns are working to mobilize supporters and persuade undecided voters. Buttigieg’s appearance adds national political visibility to Dandiya’s campaign as Democrats seek to overcome the district’s Republican-leaning electoral map and financial challenges.
The outcome could offer an indication of how competitive suburban congressional districts remain as candidates from both parties seek to shape the balance of power in Washington.
