Washington, November 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American members-elect Amish Shah of Arizona and Pia Dandiya of Florida have joined the New Democrat Coalition, a centrist grouping of US House Democrats that has expanded to a record 142 members following the induction of 40 incoming lawmakers.
The coalition announced on Wednesday that the new members had been admitted unanimously, describing them as its largest incoming class. Its expanded strength represents more than half of the incoming House Democratic Caucus.
“Each of these Members-elect believes and practices the New Dems’ core values: seeking common ground and a pragmatic approach to policymaking,” coalition Chair Brad Schneider, an Illinois Democrat, said in the announcement.
Schneider said the enlarged coalition had a mandate to address rising costs and corruption, adding that its focus on centrist policies had helped Democrats expand their presence in the House.
Shah, an emergency-room physician and former Arizona state legislator, will represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. He defeated Republican Jay Feely, who had the backing of President Donald Trump.
During congressional orientation, Shah identified affordability, healthcare and water policy as key priorities. Although he campaigned on working across party lines, he said that would not prevent him from scrutinising the Trump administration.
Asked whether he would support a possible third impeachment of Trump, Shah said, “We’ll see.” He described impeachment as a constitutional remedy and said lawmakers had a responsibility to uphold the law.
Dandiya defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s newly drawn 22nd Congressional District. Her campaign focused on affordability, including healthcare, childcare and everyday expenses. She has also advocated universal pre-kindergarten, workforce preparation for changes driven by artificial intelligence, and protection of Social Security, Medicaid and veterans’ support.
Born and raised in Palm Beach County to parents from India, Dandiya began her career as a teacher before becoming a high school principal. She later served as a White House Fellow at the Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Before entering electoral politics, she worked on public-sector initiatives at Apple.
The incoming members attended a coalition orientation on Sunday, with sessions covering policy priorities, legislative achievements, congressional office operations and the committee selection process.
Founded in 1997, the New Democrat Coalition describes itself as a centre-left group advocating bipartisan cooperation. Its policy priorities include economic growth, affordable housing, healthcare, innovation and national security, along with immigration and border security reforms, legal pathways for immigrants, clean energy and infrastructure investment.
FOLLOW NOW
