Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) announced her immediate resignation from Congress on Tuesday, amid an escalating ethics scandal and federal criminal charges that cast doubt on her political viability.
This unexpected decision followed a sanctions hearing by the House Ethics Committee, which was investigating her conduct. Cherfilus-McCormick stated, “I hereby resign from the 119th Congress, effective immediately.”
In her statement, she condemned the investigation as unjust and claimed her rights were violated. She characterized the inquiry as a “witch hunt,” insisting that it was not a fair process.
The congresswoman also alleged that her new attorney’s request for additional preparation time was denied, all while a criminal indictment loomed over her. This marks a significant decline for her, as she has been embroiled in one of Congress’s most serious ethics controversies.
In March, the House Ethics Committee found that she committed 25 violations of House rules, concluding that there was “clear and convincing evidence” for many of the allegations. Issues included improper financing of her political ascent and failure to disclose payments.
As the ethics investigation coincided with a separate federal case, the sanctions hearing was set to recommend penalties that could include removal from the House. Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation effectively halts this process.
In November 2025, federal prosecutors charged her with stealing $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds intended for her family’s healthcare business, with claims of money laundering and campaign-related misconduct. She has pleaded not guilty and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Pressure had been mounting on her, with Democratic Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) publicly urging her to resign. Reports indicated that House Democrats were prepared to expel her if the committee advised it. The ethics investigation involved a notable level of scrutiny, including 59 subpoenas and reviewing over 33,000 documents.
Despite the intensifying pressure, Cherfilus-McCormick asserted she still had support from her constituents. In her resignation, she expressed gratitude for their backing, saying, “It has been the honor of my life fighting for you.”
With her departure, a special election will be needed to fill the vacancy in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, a seat that is reliably Democratic.
