Page 14 - The Indian EYE 112026

NA Newsline-Special Section NOVEMBER 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 14

The Samosa Caucus:

Indian Americans strengthen their

presence in the US Congress

Six lawmakers, spanning a new generation of political leaders and established congressional voices,
reflect the growing influence of the Indian American community in American politics.

PIA DANDIYA AMISH SHAH
FLORIDA’S ARIZONA’S

22nd Congressional District 1st Congressional District

mish Shah, a physician and former Arizona state legislator, made histo-
ry by becoming the first Indian American elected to represent Arizona
Ain Congress. Born and raised in Chicago to Indian immigrant parents,
he studied economics and medicine at Northwestern University and earned a
master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley.

An emergency medicine specialist, Shah served in the Arizona
House of Representatives before entering the congressional race.

Running as a Democrat, he defeated Republican Jay Feely with
ia Dandiya is among the most significant new Indian American entrants
into Congress. The daughter of Indian immigrants, she was born and 52.5 per cent of the vote. His priorities include healthcare afford-
Praised in Palm Beach County, Florida. A former teacher and high school ability, reproductive rights, environmental protection and public
principal in Harlem, she also served as a White House Fellow and worked at
Apple. Running as a Democrat, she defeated Republican Casey Askar with health.
51.9 per cent of the vote in November 2026. She will become the first South
Asian American to represent Florida in Congress. Her campaign focused on On his political approach: “Focus on solutions, find common ground
education, economic opportunity and affordability. where we can, and actually deliver results.”
On her victory: “I’m not going to Washington to fight with people. I’m
going to fight for people.” Continued on next page... >>

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