8 more Broward leaders endorse ‘strong advocate’ Pia Dandiya in CD 22 race

Pia Dandiya continues to gain support from Broward County leaders.

This week, the Democratic candidate for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District announced endorsements from eight additional Broward elected officials and community figures.

Among them: state Reps. Robin Bartleman and Mitch Rosenwald, County Commissioner Beam Furr, School Board Chair Sarah Leonardi, Davie Mayor Judy Paul, Oakland Park Commissioner Fitz Budhoo, Dolphin Democrats President Alfredo Olvera and Democratic Caribbean Caucus member Stewart Webster.

Leonardi, a teacher by trade, said Dandiya has “the intelligence, integrity, and work ethic we need in Washington.”

“She understands the challenges facing South Florida families and will be a strong advocate for our community and will be a strong advocate for our community,” she said.

“Pia knows how to bring people together and fight for the issues that matter most to the people she serves.”

Bartleman cited education and institutional concerns, which she believes Dandiya will address on Capitol Hill.

“Republicans have spent years attacking public education, undermining our institutions, and putting partisan politics ahead of working families,” she said. “Pia is focused on bringing people together, protecting our freedoms, and delivering real results for the communities she will serve.”

The new backing builds on a wave of Broward endorsements Dandiya picked up earlier this month that included Broward Mayor Mark Bogen, County Commissioners Nan Rich and Steve Geller, Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook, Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan, Plantation Mayor Nick Sortal, and former state Sen. Jeremy Ring.

That followed an earlier round of nods from U.S. Reps. Lois Frankel and Jill Tokuda; Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman; state Sen. Tina Polsky, state Reps. Emily Gregory, Kelly Skidmore and Debra Tendrich; West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James; former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; former U.S. Reps. Annie Kuster and Patrick Murphy; and former Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg.

Organizations backing Dandiya include Aspire PAC, EMILY’s List, Vote Mama, Serve America PAC, Democrats for Education Reform, Elect Democratic Women, New Democracy, Indian American IMPACT and AAPI Victory Fund.

“These endorsements mean so much because they come from leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving Broward County and fighting for our communities,” Dandiya said of her latest round of endorsements Thursday.

“At a time when Donald Trump and his allies in Washington are attacking our freedoms, undermining public education, and making life more expensive for working families, we need leaders who will stand up and deliver results.”

A former high school principal, White House fellow and Apple strategy manager, Dandiya shifted her campaign to CD 22 in May after the ratification of a new congressional map that Trump demanded, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office designed and the GOP-dominated Legislature forced through.

Dandiya entered CD 22 with a substantial financial advantage, having raised more than $1.57 million and closed March with $1.17 million in cash on hand — money accumulated during her now-abandoned campaign in Florida’s 21st Congressional District.

CD 22 now runs nearly coast to coast from Marco Island in Southwest Florida to western portions of Palm Beach and Broward counties. It has no incumbent after Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz opted to instead run in the nearby Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

About 54.6% of voters in new CD 22 supported Trump in 2024, though more than 51% voted for Joe Biden in 2020, making it a genuine swing seat.

Dandiya faces fellow Democrat Kaysia Earley in the Primary.

Qualified Republicans include Casey Askar, David Burck, Michael Carbonara, Richard Evans, Terri Hasdorff, Belinda Keiser and Michael Thompson.

The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election Nov. 3.