The soon-to-be contentious congressional race in Floridas' 22nd District is heating up, as Republican congressional nominee Casey Askar, has received both the endorsements from President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis.
Democratic congressional nominee Pia Dandiya was quick to jab at Askar after the former U.S. Marine posted an image of himself and other Republican congressional nominees with Gov. DeSantis at a recent event in Tallahassee, Florida.
"Casey Askar is embracing the DeSantis political machine — not demanding answers from it. The same machine that used $10 million in Florida taxpayer dollars to advance its political interests. Floridians are tired of questioning where there dollars went, and done with a corrupt government that forgets about the everyday American. Casey Askar may be willing to fall in line. I’m ready to stand up and fight for Florida."—Pia Dandiya (X.com)
Dandiya has also made other online statements appearing to try to provoke Askar into responding, but Askar either hasn't seen the posts, or he is just ignoring her.
NRCC Spokeswoman Maureen O'Toole issued a statement, praising Askar and criticizing Dandiya.
"A veteran and businessman, Casey Askar is a proven fighter committed to working with House Republicans and President Trump to deliver for Florida," O'Toole said. "Meanwhile, his opponent, Pia Dandiya, wants to raise taxes and push the Democrats' woke, socialist agenda. President Trump said it best: Casey Askar will never let Florida down, and voters will send him to Washington in November."
Shortly after President Trump and Governor DeSantis announced their support for him, Askar responded to The Floridian's request for comment, denouncing Democratic Socialism and appearing to defend school choice.
"It is important that all Americans—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—continue to denounce Socialism and Democratic Socialism, and to defend our American way of life," said Askar in the statement. "Our children are the future of our great nation and we must protect them from universal education indoctrination in schools."
Askar's remarks come on the heels of House Democrats voting against a Republican resolution denouncing Socialism.
The race between Askar and Dandiya will be one of the most closely watched contests this election cycle. The general election will be held on November 3.
