Politics
Pia Dandiya’s CD 21 bid adds nods from Dave Aronberg, Patrick Murphy
Pia Dandiya is now running for Florida’s 21st Congressional District with support from two fellow Democrats: Dave Aronberg, Palm Beach County’s immediate past State Attorney, and former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy.
Both agree she’s a strong contender to unseat incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Brian Mast next year.
Aronberg, who also served in the Florida House and as an Assistant Attorney General, said in a statement that Dandiya is “exactly the kind of bold, ethical, and pragmatic leader we need in Washington.”
“She spent her career improving people’s lives — from the classroom to the White House — and I know she will fight tirelessly for Floridians,” he said. “Pia is the Democrat who can win this seat and deliver real results.”
Murphy, who served much of the district from 2013 to 2017, when he left office after an unsuccessful U.S. Senate bid, called Dandiya “the kind of thoughtful, principled leader we need in Congress during these challenging times.”
“Pia’s impressive background, deep policy knowledge, and longstanding community involvement make her an ideal candidate for Congress,” he said in a statement. “Her passion for public service and tireless work ethic make her a formidable contender for the seat I was honored to represent. She connects with people across the political spectrum and understands the issues that matter most to this community.”
One of three candidates in a Democratic Primary for CD 21, Dandiya is a first-generation American who previously worked as a high school principal and today leads public sector initiatives for Apple.
In her campaign launch last month, she outlined a legislative agenda that includes passing universal pre-K, preparing Americans for 21st-century jobs, reducing health care costs and protecting entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare.
She also pledged to advocate for abortion rights and invest in strengthening public education with a win over Mast, a combat veteran who has represented the district since 2017 and closely aligned himself with President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda.
She said in a statement that she is “honored to have the support of two leaders who have served this community with distinction.”
“Their belief in this campaign means the world to me — and it reinforces what I’m hearing every day from voters across the district: that they’re ready for new leadership focused on solving problems, not scoring political points,” she said. “Together, we’re building a campaign that can defeat Brian Mast in November.”
Others running for CD 21 include Democrats Elizabeth Pandich and Bernard Taylor. Pandich has reported raising $57,591. Taylor hasn’t reported any fundraising, nor has no-party candidate Amr Metwally.
Dandiya, meanwhile, has raised more than $402,000, a “groundswell of support” she attributes to her campaign message of “putting people over politics and delivering real results for working families.”
Mast has raised more than $1.1 million this cycle and has more than $2 million on hand, inclusive of carry-over funds.
CD 21 includes all of Martin and St. Lucie counties and part of northern Palm Beach County. The district leans Republican — R+7, per the Cook Political Report — but has pockets of Democratic strength, particularly in suburban communities where education and health care are top concerns.
The 2026 Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.
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The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
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Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
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