Wellington Mayor Napoleone Endorses Pia Dandiya
The Republican mayor of Wellington, Florida, announced his support for Democratic candidate Pia Dandiya for Congress.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Elections
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Wellington Mayor Michael J. Napoleone has officially endorsed Democrat Pia Dandiya for Florida's 22nd Congressional District seat. This move follows Dandiya's victory in the August 2026 Democratic primary.
Why it matters
The endorsement highlights cross-party support for Dandiya in the open-seat race against Republican opponent Casey Askar. Napoleone cited shared priorities on lowering costs and strengthening communities as key reasons for his backing.
The race for Florida's 22nd Congressional District is an open-seat election following boundary changes in the 2026 redistricting process. The general election for the seat is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The players
Michael J. Napoleone
He is the current Republican mayor of Wellington, Florida.
Pia Dandiya
She is the Democratic candidate for Florida's 22nd Congressional District and a former teacher and high school principal.
Casey Askar
He is the Republican candidate for Florida's 22nd Congressional District.
The details
Michael J. Napoleone stated that he believes Dandiya prioritizes people over politics. Dandiya, a former teacher and high school principal, faces Republican Casey Askar in the upcoming contest.
Timeline
August 2026: Pia Dandiya won the Democratic primary.
October 21, 2026: Mayor Michael J. Napoleone announced his endorsement.
November 3, 2026: The general election for the Congressional seat takes place.
Political Context
The 22nd Congressional District race reflects the broader legislative volatility caused by the 2026 Florida Congressional redistricting process. Opposition groups often argue that such boundary shifts influence partisan control more than local candidate preferences.
Residents of the 22nd District will vote on November 3, 2026, to decide who fills the open Congressional seat. This endorsement may influence undecided voters as the community evaluates the candidates' platforms on cost-of-living and community support.
The takeaway
Cross-party endorsements in local politics can serve as a signal for moderate voters in competitive open-seat races. Residents should review candidate platforms and local ballot information ahead of the November 3 election.
What happens next
The general election for Florida's 22nd Congressional District will be held on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local races, visit Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPEC.
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