Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) is under investigation by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) after watchdog groups alleged she failed to disclose major in-kind contributions that boosted her first congressional campaign.
The probe stems from complaints filed by the conservative Coolidge-Reagan Foundation, citing earlier findings by the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).
Alleged Fraud Scheme
According to investigators, Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 special election campaign worked with GOP political consultant Mark Goodrich and her own family members to set up shell entities that funneled money into her race.
Progressive People Inc. (PPI), an LLC tied to her husband and sister-in-law, allegedly transferred $725,000 to Truth and Justice Inc. (TJI), a tax-exempt nonprofit.
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Goodrich then used TJI to pay vendors working on Cherfilus-McCormick’s behalf.
Records show her husband, Corlie McCormick Jr., and sister-in-law, Chantrell McCormick, were registered agents for PPI.
Emails and texts obtained by OCE suggest Cherfilus-McCormick personally directed at least one mailer produced with these funds.
Her campaign did not report the payments as required by federal law.
Investigators found that TJI wired $150,000 to Image Plus Graphics, a printing firm, in the summer of 2022.
The firm produced campaign mailers and materials for Cherfilus-McCormick’s re-election bid.
Former campaign staffers told investigators Goodrich effectively ran the campaign, even though an official manager was listed.
“You don’t accidentally magically have multiple entities ready to funnel money at a moment’s notice,” said Dan Backer, attorney for the Coolidge-Reagan Foundation. “These people are blatantly corrupt.”
The group’s FEC complaint alleges at least 12 violations of campaign finance law.
Separately, her family’s health care company, Trinity Health Care Services, received a $5 million state payment in 2021 when it was contracted for just $50,000 to provide COVID-19 vaccination support.
Watchdogs allege the company — then led by Cherfilus-McCormick as CEO — failed to report or return the mistaken payment, instead funneling money through other family-owned businesses.
The state sued to recover the funds in 2024; a settlement allows repayment over 15 years.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s Response
The congresswoman has denied wrongdoing and pledged to cooperate with investigators.
“As outlined in the Committee’s public statement, the referral for further review does not imply any violation has occurred,” she said.
“I fully respect the process and remain committed to cooperating with the Committee as it works to bring this inquiry to a close.”
Next Steps
The FEC investigation will proceed through its general counsel’s office, but the commission lacks a quorum to issue rulings.
The House Ethics Committee is also reviewing the allegations.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who won her special election by just five votes, could face growing legal and political challenges as both inquiries advance.
