Pia Dandia: Indian-American Defeats Republican Businessman in Florida

Indian-American Democrat Pia Dandia achieved victory in the U.S. House of Representatives elections for Florida's 22nd Congressional District.

Dandia defeated her Republican opponent, businessman Casey Ascar, in the midterm elections held on November 3, 2026, according to The Sunday Guardian newspaper.

Dandia's win carries particular political significance, not only because she seized a seat in a district that underwent extensive redistricting changes, but also because she became the first Indian-American to win a House seat from Florida, and the tenth Indian-American to reach Congress.

Dandia is scheduled to assume her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in January 2027 for a two-year term, representing a district comprising parts of Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry, and Collier counties.

Victory over Republican Casey Ascar
The Republican Casey Ascar, a businessman and former U.S. Marine Corps veteran, entered the race based on his conservative platform, support for President Donald Trump's policies, with a focus on the economy and stricter enforcement of immigration laws.

Dandia, meanwhile, focused her campaign on lowering the cost of living, improving education, developing healthcare, protecting Social Security, and combating government corruption.

The contest was classified as close before the Democratic candidate managed to secure the race in her favor.

In her speech following the announcement of victory, Dandia recalled her parents' journey from India to the United States more than 40 years ago, considering that her arrival in Congress represents an extension of her family's American dream.

She said: "More than 40 years ago, my parents came from India to Palm Beach County, determined to achieve the American Dream. Tonight, after one generation, their daughter will become a member of Congress."

She added in a message to voters: "I am not going to Washington to fight people, but to fight for people."

Who is Pia Dandia?
Dandia is 39 years old, raised in Palm Beach County, Florida, and belongs to an Indian family that emigrated to the United States more than four decades ago seeking better opportunities.

She earned a degree in Political Science from Harvard University, then began her professional career in the education sector through the Teach For America program, working as a teacher before obtaining a Master's degree in Education from Boston University.

In 2014, she founded Democracy Prep Endurance High School in the Harlem area of New York City, managing it with a focus on providing educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds and helping them attend universities.

Subsequently, she joined the White House Fellowship program and worked at the U.S. Department of Education, before moving to Apple Inc., where she participated in initiatives related to education, healthcare, and public services.