Indian-American Pia Dandiya Wins Florida House Race As Democrats Flip North Carolina Senate Seat

Indian-American Democrat Pia Dandiya has won Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, defeating Republican Casey Askar, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ, CBS News and NBC News. Democrats also secured their first Senate gain in North Carolina, marking an early breakthrough in the US midterm elections.

Dandiya, a former school principal, contested the newly redrawn South Florida district. NBC News reported that she secured 51.9 per cent of the vote against Askar’s 48.1 per cent, with 97.6 per cent of the expected vote counted.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said her campaign focused on affordability and expanding opportunities for South Florida residents. Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal congratulated Dandiya, welcoming her as the third South Asian American woman in the House.

Meanwhile, Indian-American Democrat Suhas Subramanyam was projected to win re-election in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, securing 61.4 per cent against Republican challenger Dave Beckwith. The victory gives him a second two-year term. In Maryland, Indian-American Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller also secured another term alongside Democratic Governor Wes Moore.

In Ohio, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy trailed Democrat Amy Acton in the governor’s race. Acton led with 54.3 per cent against Ramaswamy’s 42.8 per cent, with around 46 per cent of the expected vote counted. NBC News said the contest remained too early to call.

In North Carolina, Roy Cooper defeated Michael Whatley for the Senate seat, while Valerie Foushee won re-election in the 4th Congressional District.

Jon Ossoff retained his Georgia Senate seat, while Chris Pappas, Ashley Moody and Mark Warner also secured victories. Several races involving Indian-American candidates remained undecided.

Also Read: Iran Says Air Defences Downed Three US Drones Amid Escalating Tensions