Florida Race Heats Up as Buttigieg Joins Dandia
A high-profile Democratic campaign is gaining momentum in Florida as former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg prepares to campaign for Pia Dandia, the Indian-origin candidate running in the 22nd Congressional District. The contest against Republican businessman Casey Askar is among the most competitive in the state.
Buttigieg will appear alongside Dandia at a campaign event in Plantation on Monday, October 26.
Speaking about the endorsement, Dandia said, "I'm thrilled Pete is coming to our 22nd district. We are building something far larger than any single individual. He models the kind of practical, common-sense leadership that people need today, and having his support is an honor."
She said the campaign is putting maximum effort into the final phase of the election, aiming to contact every voter and earn the confidence of communities across South Florida.
Buttigieg is the most recent national Democratic figure to back Dandia. Earlier campaign appearances included Suzanne DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Congressman Jamie Raskin and former US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. Dandia is part of the committee's Red to Blue program.
Dandia's schedule includes a stop in Naples on the same day. Jane Schlechtweg, chair of the local Democratic Party, said this would be Dandia's third visit to the county.
Once a stronghold for Democrats, the seat became more favorable to Republicans after state lawmakers redrew district lines last year, adding an estimated 38,500 Republican-leaning voters. Incumbent Democrat Lois Frankel is not running again. Under the revised boundaries, about 55 percent of voters backed Donald Trump in 2024.
Analysts have moved the race from Lean Republican to Toss-up. A late-August public poll showed Dandia ahead by two percentage points. A separate election model gave Askar a 58 percent chance of winning as of October 23.
Data centers have also become a major talking point. Askar was recorded at a October 13 event in Broward County saying, "I want data centers in rural areas. I don't want them near our homes or schools." In the primary, he had stated, "I don't want them in the state of Florida."
The race is attracting heavy outside spending. No Going Back PAC, funded by MAGA Inc., has spent $5.91 million opposing Dandia, and House Majority PAC has spent $7.84 million against Askar.
Federal election filings show Askar has loaned his campaign $6.69 million this cycle, with $400,000 already repaid. As of October 14, Dandia reported $735,105 in cash, while Askar had over $1,881,186.
Early voting in Florida will take place from October 24 through October 31, ahead of the November 3 election.