Indian-American Democrats Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya are contesting closely watched congressional races in Arizona and Florida ahead of the November 3, 2026, US midterm elections, with both contests potentially influencing the fight for control of the House of Representatives.
As early voting gets underway in several parts of the United States, two Indian-American candidates are drawing attention in competitive congressional races that could shape the balance of power in Washington. Democrat Amish Shah is challenging Republican Jay Feely in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, while Pia Dandiya is running against Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd District.
The contests come as Democrats attempt to regain control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority. The results will depend on voter turnout, local concerns and the broader political climate surrounding President Donald Trump’s administration.
For Shah and Dandiya, the elections also present an opportunity to increase Indian-American representation in Congress at a time when the number of lawmakers from the community could decline.
Amish Shah Takes on Trump-Backed Republican Jay Feely
Amish Shah, a physician and former Arizona state legislator, is seeking election to the US House from Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. His Republican opponent, Jay Feely, is a former National Football League kicker who has received support from President Donald Trump.
Shah previously contested the same congressional seat in 2024 but lost to Republican David Schweikert. He is now returning to the race as Democrats attempt to win a district considered important to their broader campaign for House control.
The contest has attracted considerable attention from political observers. Election forecasters have offered differing assessments, although some have recently moved the race towards Shah. Inside Elections shifted its rating to Tilt Democratic in October, while Cook Political Report rated the contest Lean Democratic and Sabato’s Crystal Ball continued to describe it as a toss-up, according to recent reports.
Campaign spending has also become a significant feature of the race. Outside political groups have spent millions of dollars on advertising and other efforts, reflecting the importance attached to the district by both parties.
The result could depend on how Shah performs among independent voters and whether Democrats can mobilise enough supporters in a district where registered Republicans maintain an advantage.
Pia Dandiya Competes in Florida’s Closely Watched District
In Florida, Democrat Pia Dandiya is challenging Republican Casey Askar in the 22nd Congressional District.
Dandiya was born and raised in Palm Beach County and began her professional career as a teacher before becoming a high school principal in Harlem, New York. Her campaign has emphasised education, affordability and the role of schools in helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds gain economic opportunities.
Her Republican opponent, Askar, is an entrepreneur and military veteran who has highlighted his business experience and public service. The contest is considered competitive, with election forecasters differing over which candidate has the advantage.
Campaign funding has become another important factor. Political action committees and outside organisations have spent substantial sums supporting or opposing candidates in the race. Such spending reflects the potential significance of the district in determining the overall composition of the House.
Early voting in Palm Beach County is scheduled to continue through November 1, giving voters several opportunities to cast their ballots before Election Day on November 3.
Democrats Face a Narrow Path to House Control
The races involving Shah and Dandiya are part of a wider national contest that will determine control of Congress for the remainder of Trump’s current term.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are being contested in the November 3 elections. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority, leaving Democrats with a relatively small number of seats to gain if they want to take control of the chamber.
Competitive districts across Arizona, Florida and several other states are therefore receiving significant attention from national party organisations, donors and campaign groups. Issues such as the cost of living, immigration, economic policy and the performance of the federal government are shaping campaigns across the country.
The House outcome could also affect congressional oversight, budget negotiations and the legislative priorities pursued during the final two years of Trump’s presidency.
Although individual congressional races are shaped by local issues, the combined results will determine whether the president’s party retains control of the chamber or faces a Democratic majority.
Indian-American Representation in Congress at Stake
The elections are also important for Indian-American representation in US politics.
Six Indian-American Democrats currently serve in the House: Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam. However, changes resulting from primary elections and other congressional contests could reduce that number after the current election cycle.
Shah and Dandiya are among the candidates who could help maintain or increase that representation if they win their respective races.
Their campaigns also highlight the growing visibility of candidates with Indian heritage across American politics. However, their prospects will ultimately depend on the preferences of voters in their individual districts rather than their backgrounds alone.
Conclusion
Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya are entering the final stretch of their campaigns as the United States approaches its November 3 midterm elections. Shah faces Republican Jay Feely in Arizona, while Dandiya is competing against Casey Askar in Florida.
Both contests could contribute to the national battle for control of the House of Representatives. With early voting underway and campaigns investing heavily in competitive districts, the coming days will be crucial for the candidates.
The final results will determine not only whether the Democrats can make gains in Congress but also whether Shah and Dandiya can secure seats and strengthen Indian-American representation in Washington.