Washington, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US Congresswoman Grace Meng has welcomed the election of Indian-American lawmakers Pia Dandiya and Dr Amish Shah to the House of Representatives, describing their victories as significant achievements for the community and its growing participation in American public life.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, the New York Democrat said both candidates had overcome challenging contests despite substantial Republican campaign spending against them.
“There was a lot of money put against them,” Meng said, praising their victories as historic. She also highlighted the significance of their success in changing the political balance in the districts they contested.
Meng said she had remained in touch with both lawmakers during their campaigns and met them again in Washington as they attended orientation for incoming members of Congress.
Comparing the orientation process to starting at a new school, she said the newly elected representatives were familiarising themselves with Congress and preparing for their responsibilities.
“They are accomplished people in their own right,” she said, expressing confidence in their transition to Capitol Hill.
Meng said the election of Dandiya and Shah reflected the increasing presence of Indian Americans in the country’s political and social landscape.
“The Indian American community is becoming more and more a part of the fabric of our American society,” she said, adding that members of the community had made significant progress in public life. She also cited former Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother was of Indian origin, as an example of Indian-American participation at the highest levels of government.
Dandiya, a former school principal, defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. Her victory in the newly redrawn district made her the first South Asian American to represent Florida in Congress.
CBS Miami+1
Shah, a physician and former Arizona state legislator, defeated Republican Jay Feely in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, winning a seat previously represented by Republican David Schweikert. Shah’s victory made him the first Indian American to represent Arizona in Congress.
KJZZ+1
Both are set to take their seats when the new Congress convenes in January.
Meng said she hoped the incoming lawmakers would contribute to discussions on a wide range of national issues while helping ensure that Indian Americans felt included in the country’s political life.
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