Washington, DC: The Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed Pia Dandiya for Congress in Florida’s 21st District, where she is running to unseat Republican incumbent Brian Mast in one of the most competitive races of 2026. If elected, Dandiya would become the first South Asian American to represent Florida in Congress, a historic milestone for a state with a large and fast-growing South Asian population.
The daughter of Indian immigrants and a native of Jupiter, Florida, Pia Dandiya has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities as a teacher, high school principal, White House Fellow, and technology leader. She founded and led one of New York’s top-performing high schools, ensuring every graduate earned admission to college despite overwhelming economic barriers. In Washington, she helped shape national education and economic policy as a White House Fellow, and also previously led public sector initiatives at Apple, working with state leaders across the country to modernize education, healthcare, and government services.
Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Indian American Impact Fund, released the following statement:
“We are proud to endorse Pia Dandiya because she represents the best of what public service should be. As a lifelong educator who has helped thousands of students and families, Pia understands how essential strong schools and accessible healthcare are to our community’s future. She has dedicated her career to expanding opportunity- whether in the classroom, at the White House, or leading innovation in the business sector. And in this critical moment, Pia is also Democrats’ best chance to defeat Trump-ally Brian Mast and deliver real representation for Florida’s 21st District. Pia’s experience, values, and deep roots in this district make her the champion Floridians deserve in Congress.”
