Democrat Pia Dandiya and Republican Casey Askar are projected to win their respective primaries, setting up a November showdown for Florida's open 22nd Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Dandiya, a former educator backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, defeated attorney Kaysia Earley in the Democratic primary. Askar, a Marine veteran, emerged from a crowded Republican field that included cryptocurrency entrepreneur Michael Carbonara and university administrator Belinda Keiser. The general election will be a tough fight, with the Cook Political Report rating the seat as “lean Republican.”
The 22nd District was significantly redrawn during Florida's redistricting process, stretching from Broward County to the outskirts of Naples. The new map made the district more favorable to Republicans, prompting incumbent Rep. Lois Frankel (D) to move her reelection bid to the neighboring 23rd District. Frankel has held the seat since 2023.
The reshaped map also caused a ripple effect among other Democratic incumbents. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who currently represents the 23rd District, chose to run in the 25th District despite living within the new 22nd District lines. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz also resides in the new 22nd but is running in the 20th District. These moves have created a competitive environment in several districts, as noted in our coverage of Florida's redrawn map reshaping races.
Askar, who was endorsed by Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), will now campaign on his military background and conservative platform in a district that leans his party's way. Dandiya, who initially launched her campaign in the 21st District to challenge Rep. Brian Mast, switched to the 22nd after the new map was adopted. National Democrats have rallied behind her, adding her to the DCCC's “Red to Blue” program last month, which provides resources to candidates in competitive districts that could help flip the House.
The race is one of several key contests in Florida, where the GOP chief's loss in the Panhandle and other primary results are reshaping the state's political landscape. The 22nd District contest is expected to be closely watched as both parties vie for control of the narrowly divided House.
Dandiya's campaign has focused on education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, while Askar has emphasized national security and fiscal responsibility. The district's new boundaries include a mix of suburban and rural areas, making voter turnout in the fall crucial for both candidates.
As the general election approaches, both candidates will need to navigate a district that is fundamentally different from its previous iteration. The outcome could have implications for the national balance of power, as Republicans seek to hold onto the seat and Democrats aim for an upset.
