Democrat Pia Dandiya has defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, according to a race call by NewsNation and Decision Desk HQ. The result gives Democrats the seat after redistricting reshaped the district ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The seat was previously represented by Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel, who had served in Congress since 2013. Frankel opted to run in the newly drawn 23rd Congressional District rather than seek reelection in the reconfigured 22nd, leaving an open contest between Dandiya and Askar.

Dandiya is a former teacher and high school principal who later served as a White House Fellow under both Democratic and Republican administrations. She also worked at Apple on public-sector initiatives involving education and healthcare. Her campaign emphasized affordability, housing costs, property insurance, prescription drug prices and childcare.

Askar, a former U.S. Marine and business executive, campaigned on job creation, economic growth and bringing private-sector experience to Washington. He serves as chairman and CEO of Askar Family Office, a company involved in franchising, commercial real estate, energy and construction. Askar received endorsements from President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The newly drawn 22nd District includes portions of Palm Beach, Broward and Collier counties, as well as all of Hendry County. The redrawn boundaries significantly changed the district’s political makeup, making the open seat a competitive contest between the parties. Donald Trump carried the district in the 2024 presidential election.

The campaign also attracted substantial outside spending. Federal campaign finance records through October 14 showed Askar had raised approximately $7.4 million, while Dandiya had raised approximately $4.6 million. Outside groups spent tens of millions of dollars on advertising and other efforts supporting or opposing the candidates.

Dandiya’s victory gives Democrats the seat in a district Republicans had hoped to win following Florida’s redistricting. She will represent the 22nd District when the new Congress convenes in January.