Indian-American Candidates Face Key US Midterm Battles as Early Voting Begins in Texas and Florida

October 19, 2026

Washington: Early voting begins on Monday in Texas and Florida’s Palm Beach County, bringing several Indian-American candidates into focus as they compete for state legislative, congressional and other key positions ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections.

The contests span multiple states, with candidates facing different electoral challenges, from closely fought congressional races to contests in which Republicans hold a clear advantage. Election forecasts, campaign spending and voter turnout are expected to play important roles in the final outcome.

Pooja Sethi Seeks Historic Win in Texas

In Texas, Democrat Pooja Sethi is contesting House District 47. A victory would make her the first Hindu and the first Indian American elected to the Texas state Legislature.

Another Indian-American Democrat, Sandeep Srivastava, faces a more difficult contest in House District 66 against Republican Matt Shaheen, who chairs the Texas House Elections Committee.

Shaheen secured 61.1 per cent of the vote in the 2024 election, highlighting the challenge facing Srivastava. Srivastava also lost a congressional race in 2024 to Republican Keith Self, who defeated him by 62.5 per cent to 37.5 per cent.

The Texas contests will test the prospects of Democratic candidates seeking to make electoral gains in a state where Republicans remain competitive across several constituencies.

Florida Race Between Pia Dandiya and Casey Askar Remains Close

In Florida’s 22nd Congressional District, Democrat Pia Dandiya is challenging Republican Casey Askar in a race that remains closely contested.

Election forecasters differ in their assessments. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball classify the contest as a Toss-up, while Inside Elections rates it Tilt Republican.

Forecasting models also offer differing projections. PollingForecast gives Dandiya a 56 per cent chance of winning, while Call the Map gives Askar a 54 per cent chance.

Early voting in Palm Beach County will continue through November 1 across 28 locations, according to the county elections office.

Campaign spending has become another major factor in the Florida contest. Federal filings show that No Going Back PAC has spent approximately $3.8 million opposing Dandiya.

Groups supporting her, including Progressive Turnout Project, LCV Victory Fund and House Majority PAC, have spent more than $560,000 combined.

Outside Spending Draws Attention in Arizona Contest

In Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, Democrat Amish Shah has received a boost from changing election forecasts in his race against Republican Jay Feely.

Inside Elections changed its assessment on October 15 from Toss-up to Tilt Democrat. The Cook Political Report rates the contest Lean Democrat, while Sabato’s Crystal Ball continues to classify it as a Toss-up.

Despite the improved ratings, substantial outside spending is targeting Shah. Approximately $7.6 million has been spent opposing him, including $3.76 million from Safety & Affordability PAC.

The spending in Arizona and Florida has also raised questions about transparency in campaign financing.

The two super PACs targeting Shah and Dandiya had not disclosed their donors in the filings described in the report. Both shifted to monthly filing schedules in September, with their first reports covering contributions through September 30 due on October 20.

Ohio Governor’s Race Faces Debate Dispute

In Ohio, where early voting is already underway, the gubernatorial contest has drawn attention after Democratic candidate Amy Acton declined to debate Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.

Acton criticised Ramaswamy during an interview with The Vindicator, saying she would not share a debate stage with someone she accused of repeatedly lying.

“I absolutely will never stand on a stage with someone who has lied in the egregious ways he has, who has a chronic history of lying,” Acton said.

Ramaswamy told the newspaper that he was shocked when he learned Acton would not participate in the debate.

The dispute adds another dimension to the Ohio governor’s race as voters begin casting ballots before Election Day.

New York and Los Angeles Contests to Follow

Early voting in New York is scheduled to begin on October 24. Republican Saritha Komatireddy is challenging incumbent Attorney General Letitia James.

A poll commissioned by Komatireddy’s campaign, conducted by OnMessage Inc. and reported by the New York Post, showed James leading by 50.7 per cent to 44.7 per cent.

An earlier independent poll conducted by Siena in September also placed James ahead, at 52 per cent to 39 per cent.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County vote centres are scheduled to open on October 24 ahead of the mayoral contest between incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman.

With early voting underway or approaching in several states and localities, the coming weeks will be crucial for candidates seeking to turn campaign support into votes before November 3.

The contests involving Indian-American candidates are unfolding against a broader backdrop of competitive congressional races, significant outside campaign spending and differing forecasts from election analysts.