Washington, October 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian-American Democrat Pia Dandiya is set to receive a campaign boost from former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as she battles Republican businessman Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, a closely watched contest ahead of the November 3 elections.
Buttigieg, who is viewed as a potential Democratic presidential contender in 2028, is scheduled to join Dandiya at a canvassing launch in Plantation on October 26, according to Florida Politics.
“I’m thrilled to host Pete in the 22nd District, as we work to build a campaign bigger than any one of us,” Dandiya said, describing his support as an honour. She said the campaign was focused on reaching voters from different backgrounds and earning their trust in the final stretch.
Buttigieg follows several prominent Democrats who have campaigned with Dandiya, including Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene, Congressman Jamie Raskin and former US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. Dandiya is also part of the committee’s Red to Blue programme, which supports targeted Democratic House campaigns.
The race has become competitive after Florida’s Republican-led Legislature redrew the district last spring, giving Republicans a registration advantage of around 38,500 voters. Approximately 55 per cent of voters in the revised district backed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, according to the source material. Incumbent Democrat Lois Frankel did not contest the seat under the new district boundaries.
The Cook Political Report has shifted its assessment from “Lean Republican” to “Toss-up”. A public poll conducted in late August gave Dandiya a two-point lead, while Decision Desk HQ’s forecast model assigned Askar a 58 per cent chance of winning as of October 23.
Data centres have also emerged as a campaign issue, with Askar expressing opposition to facilities near residential neighbourhoods and schools.
Outside spending is substantial. Federal filings show No Going Back PAC reported $5.91 million in spending against Dandiya, while House Majority PAC reported $7.84 million against Askar.
Florida’s mandatory early voting period runs from October 24 to 31.
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