She would become the first South Asian American to represent Florida in the US Congress, if elected.
Florida: Pia Dandiya, an Indian American educator and former school principal, has launched her campaign for the US Congress from Florida, becoming part of a growing wave of South Asian Americans contesting national elections ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Running as a Democrat, Dandiya is seeking election from Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District after originally entering the race in the 21st District. She said the shift came in response to the state’s revised congressional boundaries following redistricting.
Raised in Jupiter, Florida, by Indian immigrant parents, Dandiya has worked across education, public policy and technology. Her campaign has highlighted her experience as a classroom teacher, school leader, White House Fellow and technology executive involved in government-focused initiatives.
Prior to entering electoral politics, Dandiya worked in underserved schools and later established a charter high school in Harlem, New York. Her supporters say the institution went on to become one of the city’s highest-performing high schools during her leadership.
Dandiya’s campaign agenda includes reducing living costs, improving healthcare access, strengthening public schools, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, and defending reproductive rights. She has additionally called for bipartisan cooperation and policies aimed at expanding economic opportunities.
Her candidacy has drawn endorsements from several Democratic leaders and advocacy organizations, including the Indian American Impact Fund. US lawmakers Ro Khanna and Jill Tokuda are among those backing her campaign.
Campaign finance filings with the Federal Election Commission indicate Dandiya has raised more than $1.6 million, making her one of the strongest-funded Democratic contenders in the race.
