Pia Dandiya

D

Won the August 18, 2026 Democratic primary

Pia Dandiya is an educator and former public school founding principal running as the Democratic nominee for Florida's 22nd District, campaigning on lowering costs, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and education.[2]

Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.

Positions on the issues

  • SupportsExpand public health coverage

    Opposes cuts to Social Security and Medicare and wants to reverse recent Medicaid cuts.[2]

    “I'll oppose any effort to cut Social Security, raise the retirement age, or hand these programs to Wall Street.”
  • SupportsRaise taxes on high earners or corporations

    Says the wealthiest Americans should pay more to sustain Social Security and Medicare rather than cutting the programs.[2]

    “The fairest way to keep these programs strong for generations to come is to ask the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share.”
  • SupportsProtect legal access to abortion

    Says she trusts women to make their own healthcare decisions and will work to protect access to reproductive care and contraception.[2]

    “I trust women to make their own health care decisions, and I'll work to protect access to reproductive care and contraception.”
  • OpposesBroad tariffs on imported goods

    Says she will fight to end tariffs she describes as driving up the price of groceries and everyday goods.[2]

    “I'll fight to end the illegal and costly tariffs driving up the price of groceries and everyday goods.”
  • SupportsUniversal, publicly funded child care

    Lists lowering the cost of childcare among her priorities for South Florida families.[2]

In their words — priorities

  • Says lowering the cost of living, including housing, property insurance, prescription drugs, and childcare costs, will be her first priority.[2]
  • Says she will oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare and work to reverse Medicaid cuts, while asking wealthier Americans to pay more to sustain the programs.[2]
  • Says she will invest in universal pre-K, fully fund public schools, and build job training and apprenticeship pathways.[2]

Background

  • Worked as a teacher in public schools serving low-income communities; at age 28 became founding principal of a public high school where every graduate earned college admission.[2]
  • Describes herself as the daughter of immigrants.[2]

Campaign money

Raised $2.3M · spent $987K · $1.3M cash on hand (through 2026-07-29) FEC filing ↗

Also on the ballot for this seat: Casey Askar · Compare side by side

Sources cited in this profile

  1. 2.Pia Dandiya · Pia Dandiya campaign website, via Ballotpedia Candidate's own words