Sri Vijaya Puram, November 12: Two Indian-American lawmakers-elect, Amish Shah of Arizona and Pia Dandiya of Florida, have joined the New Democrat Coalition, a centrist grouping of US House Democrats that has expanded to a record 142 members, strengthening its presence within the incoming Democratic caucus.
The coalition announced the admission of 40 incoming lawmakers, its largest incoming class, taking its membership to more than half of the incoming House Democratic Caucus. Members approved all 40 admissions unanimously.
The expanded grouping has placed affordability, healthcare, economic growth and efforts to address corruption among its key political priorities. Its chair, Brad Schneider, a Democratic Representative from Illinois, said the incoming lawmakers shared the coalition’s emphasis on bipartisan cooperation and pragmatic policymaking.
Schneider said the coalition’s larger membership provided a mandate to pursue measures aimed at reducing costs and tackling corruption. He also attributed the expansion of the Democratic caucus to the party’s focus on centrist policies.
According to the coalition’s membership list, Shah will represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, while Dandiya will represent Florida’s 22nd District. Both lawmakers-elect attended an orientation organised by the coalition on Sunday, where sessions covered legislative priorities, policy development, congressional office administration and the process of selecting committee assignments.
Shah, an emergency-room physician and former Arizona state legislator, secured victory over Republican Jay Feely, who had received the backing of President Donald Trump.
During congressional orientation, Shah identified affordability, healthcare and water policy as priorities for his legislative agenda. His campaign had emphasised cooperation across party lines, although he indicated that bipartisan engagement would not rule out scrutiny of the Trump administration.
Asked whether he would support a possible third impeachment of Trump, Shah responded, “We’ll see.” He described impeachment as a constitutional remedy and said elected representatives had an obligation to uphold the law.
Dandiya defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida’s newly drawn 22nd Congressional District. Her campaign focused on the cost of healthcare, childcare and everyday expenses, alongside proposals for universal pre-kindergarten and preparing workers for changes associated with artificial intelligence.
Her platform also called for protecting Social Security, Medicaid and support for veterans.
Born and raised in Palm Beach County to parents from India, Dandiya began her professional career as a teacher before becoming a high school principal. She subsequently served as a White House Fellow at the Domestic Policy Council and Department of Education under both Democratic and Republican administrations. She later worked on public-sector initiatives at Apple.
Founded in 1997, the New Democrat Coalition describes itself as a centre-left organisation within the House Democratic Party that promotes cooperation across party lines. Its policy priorities encompass economic growth, affordable housing, healthcare, technological innovation and national security.
The coalition also advocates immigration law reforms and stronger border security while retaining legal pathways for immigrants. Its broader policy framework includes investment in clean energy and infrastructure.
