USA: Meet The First Indian-Origin American To Represent Florida

Article by Kumar Published on: 11:26 am, 4 November 2026

Indian-origin Democrat Pia Dandiya has created history by winning Florida’s 22nd Congressional District election. She defeated Republican candidate Casey Askar in the November 3 US midterm elections, securing her place in the US House of Representatives.

With this victory, Pia becomes the first South Asian American to represent Florida in the US Congress. Her win marks an important moment for the Indian-American community and adds another Indian-origin representative to American politics.

Pia secured 51.9% of the votes, defeating Casey Askar in a closely contested race. Born and raised in Palm Beach County to Indian immigrant parents, she began her career as a teacher before becoming a high school principal in New York.

Before entering politics, Pia also served as a White House Fellow at the Department of Education and worked at Apple. During her election campaign, she focused on education, healthcare, rising living costs and economic opportunities.

Pia’s victory comes in a newly redrawn congressional district and makes her the latest Indian-origin politician to enter the US Congress. She is expected to take office in January 2027.

The broader US midterm results are also turning into a major political setback for Donald Trump. Democrats have secured control of the Senate and are closing in on a majority in the House of Representatives. The results are being seen as a major setback for Trump, with the changing balance of power likely to make his remaining two years in office more challenging.