Who's In the Race

Democrat Pia Dandiya faces Republican Casey Askar in the Nov. 3 general election in Florida's 22nd District. ​

The seat is open: Rep. Lois J. Frankel (D-FL), who held the district, chose to run in the newly configured 23rd District instead. A new congressional map shifted District 22 west to take in inland Palm Beach and Broward communities, including Wellington and Parkland.

Dandiya is a former teacher and high school principal in Harlem who later served as a White House Fellow and worked at Apple before entering the race; she was born and raised in Palm Beach County to parents who emigrated from India.

Askar describes himself as a national business leader, philanthropist, and U.S. Marine whose family legally immigrated to the United States.

***

What They Stand For

Dandiya has proposed protecting Social Security from cuts, a higher retirement age, or privatization, according to her campaign website. She has also supported:

  • Protecting Medicare and expanding access to affordable healthcare,
  • Expanding economic opportunity through education and job training,
  • Affordable childcare and stronger economic security for families; and
  • Lowering the cost of living, including healthcare, prescription drugs, groceries, and fuel.

Askar has proposed slashing what he calls overburdening taxes and regulations, according to his campaign website. He has also supported:

  • Ending the Affordable Care Act, according to the Miami Herald,
  • Deporting criminal undocumented immigrants and securing the border; and
  • A merit-based, America First immigration policy.

***

The Money Behind the Race

Through July 29, Dandiya had raised about $2.3 million and had about $1.3 million in cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Her debt of about $247,000 is roughly 11 percent of the $2.28 million she has taken in, according to campaign finance filings as of July 29.

Outside groups have spent about $705,000 opposing Republican Casey Askar, not counting pending expenditures.

***

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

Cook Political Report rated the race a Toss-up as of Oct. 9; Sabato's Crystal Ball also called it a Toss-up as of Oct. 11. On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Dandiya, a 54.46% chance of winning the seat as of Oct. 14, with Republicans, whose nominee is Askar, at 45.54%.

Lois Frankel carried the district in both 2022 and 2024, winning about 55% of the vote each time. Republicans held 20 of Florida's 28 U.S. House seats in both 2022 and 2024, with Democrats holding the remaining eight. Donald Trump carried Florida in the 2024 presidential election with about 56% of the vote.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article