WASHINGTON, Oct 25: Indian-American candidates Amish Shah and Pia Dandiya are drawing attention in two closely watched races for the US House of Representatives, with pre-election assessments indicating promising prospects for both Democrats ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Shah, a 48-year-old physician and former Arizona state legislator, is challenging Republican candidate Jay Feely in Arizona’s First Congressional District. Feely, a former National Football League kicker, has secured the endorsement of US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Pia Dandiya, 39, a former high school principal, is contesting Florida’s newly drawn 22nd Congressional District against Republican nominee Casey Askar, an entrepreneur and military veteran.
The two contests could influence the Democrats’ efforts to gain control of the House, where Republicans are seeking to retain their majority. Early voting has begun in both Arizona and Florida, adding momentum to campaigns that could prove significant in determining the balance of power in Washington.
The Cook Political Report, a non-partisan organisation that analyses American elections, classifies Shah’s contest as “lean Democratic”, suggesting an advantage for the Democratic candidate despite Arizona’s traditionally Republican-leaning political landscape. Dandiya’s race in Florida has been categorised as a “toss-up”, indicating that neither candidate has a clear advantage.
Prediction market Kalshi has assigned Shah an 80 per cent probability of defeating Feely, while Dandiya has been given a 60 per cent chance of winning her contest against Askar. These figures reflect market-based expectations rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Shah has made healthcare protection and the rising cost of living central themes of his campaign. In a post on X, he accused Feely of benefiting from substantial financial backing from Trump and his allies, arguing that his opponent’s political loyalties were not aligned with ordinary voters.
“Jay Feely wants you to believe he’s his own man,” Shah said, criticising the Republican candidate’s association with the president. He also highlighted his commitment to reducing household expenses and safeguarding access to healthcare.
Shah previously served three terms in the Arizona House of Representatives. He contested the 2024 congressional election but lost to Republican David Schweikert by 3.8 percentage points. His current campaign represents another attempt to secure a seat in the US Congress.
Dandiya, meanwhile, is focusing on education, economic opportunity and affordability. Drawing on her experience in the education sector, she has presented herself as a candidate who can bring practical, community-oriented leadership to the federal legislature.
“I think we could use some high school principal energy in DC right about now,” she has said during her campaign, highlighting her background in school administration and public service.
According to her campaign website, Dandiya is a first-generation American who has worked as a teacher, high school principal, policy leader and technology innovator. Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Florida, she began her professional career in education before serving as a principal in Harlem, New York.
She later founded a high school designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds improve their educational and economic prospects. Her campaign says every graduate of the institution gained admission to college, even though 86 per cent of its students came from low-income households.
Dandiya’s emphasis on educational access and financial security is intended to appeal to voters concerned about the cost of living and opportunities for younger generations.
Her Republican opponent, Askar, is highlighting his experience in business and military service, presenting himself as a candidate equipped to address economic concerns and public priorities.
The outcomes of both races will be closely watched for their implications for Indian-American political representation in the United States. The outgoing House of Representatives includes six Indian-American lawmakers: Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, Suhas Subramanyam, Ami Bera and Pramila Jayapal.
With voting underway and campaign activity intensifying, Shah and Dandiya are seeking to convert favourable or competitive election forecasts into victories on November 3. Their performances could also offer a broader indication of the political opportunities available to candidates from immigrant backgrounds in an increasingly competitive electoral environment.
While current projections provide a snapshot of the races, the final results will depend on voter turnout, campaign momentum and the choices made by constituents on Election Day.