Pia Dandiya

Expanding Opportunity for Florida Families

Pia Dandiya’s story is rooted in the promise of the American dream. A first-generation American, Pia was born and raised in Jupiter, Florida, to parents who came to this country from India in search of greater opportunity. Growing up in Florida’s 21st Congressional District, Pia learned early on the value of hard work, education, and community, and how access to opportunity can shape the course of a life. She began her career as a teacher in low-income schools, where she helped her students achieve extraordinary results, with more than 90% reaching proficiency on state exams. At just 28 years old, Pia founded a high school in Harlem with a bold mission: to change life trajectories for students living in poverty. Under her leadership, every single graduate earned admission to college, despite the vast majority of students coming from low-income backgrounds. Her work proved what’s possible when students are given the tools, support, and investment they deserve. Pia later served as a White House fellow, working at the Domestic Policy Council and the Department of Education, where she saw firsthand how policy decisions impact families across the country. She went on to lead public sector initiatives at Apple, partnering with state leaders to modernize education, health care, and government systems so they better serve communities.

A Commitment to Providing Economic Freedom for all Floridians

Throughout her career, Pia has focused on one central idea: that every American deserves the chance not just to get by, but to truly thrive. Whether in the classroom, in government, or in the private sector, she has worked to build systems that expand opportunity and strengthen communities. Her experience has shown her that economic independence is the foundation for strong families and a strong country and that it starts with access to good schools, good jobs, affordable health care, and reliable child care. She believes that when we invest in people, we unlock potential that benefits entire communities.

Now raising her own family in Palm Beach Gardens, just miles from where she grew up, Pia is deeply connected to the community that shaped her. Pia is running for Congress because she believes it’s time for leadership that puts people first. She will fight to expand access to opportunity, from investing in early childhood education and job training to making health care and child care more affordable. She is equally committed to defending the programs families rely on, including Social Security, Medicare, and support for veterans, and to protecting the democratic values that ensure every voice is heard. For Pia, this campaign is about more than politics — it’s about creating a future where every Floridian has a fair shot at success.

A New Generation of Leadership for FL-21

Pia Dandiya is running for Florida’s 21st Congressional District currently held by Trump-endorsed Rep. Brian Mast who is deeply loyal to Trump and MAGA Republicans instead of his constituents. Pia is the leader Floridians need to build an economy that works for everyone, strengthen public education, and protect the fundamental freedoms that allow families to make their own decisions about their lives and futures. With her background in education, policy, and innovation, she is ready to bring a new kind of leadership to Washington. One focused on progress, opportunity, and putting people over politics, and EMILYs List is proud to stand with her in this race and take back the U.S. House.