Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has abruptly resigned her seat in Congress, immediately before a House Ethics Committee was expected to recommend her expulsion.

The move happened less than a month after a House adjudication panel found the Miramar Democrat found guilty of violating 25 charges that she violated House rules and ethical standards. Most of those centered around accusations she siphoned more than $5 million in COVID disaster relief funds to her 2021 congressional campaign.

She characterized the process as an unfair one, as she awaits a criminal trial next February on similar charges.

“This was not a fair process. The Ethics Committee refused my new attorney’s reasonable request for time to prepare my defense,” Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement. “By going forward with this process while a criminal indictment is pending, the Committee prevented me from defending myself. I will not stand by and pretend that this has been anything other than a witch hunt.”

Cherfilus-McCormick first won election to her seat in 2021 in a Special Election following the death of longtime U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat. She remains a candidate for re-election to her seat in November.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is able to call a Special Election, but may not, considering the proximity to the regular election. A Democratic Primary will be held in August for the Midterms, and in a Democrat-leaning district, the winner of that race will be a favorite in November.

Notably, a Special Election would be held under current lines, but the Midterms may be under a new congressional map the Florida Legislature considers in a Special Session next week.

Regardless, Cherfilus-McCormick’s seat is vacant now.

“I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished. Rather than play these political games, I choose to step away so that I can devote my time to fighting for my neighbors in Florida’s 20th district. I hereby resign from the 119th Congress, effective immediately,” she said

“But let me say this plainly: we should be very careful about the precedent we are setting. In this country, we do not punish people before due process is complete. We do not allow allegations alone to override the will of the people. That is a dangerous path, and one that should concern every American, regardless of party.”

She thanked voters for electing her to serve in the Special Election and subsequent terms.

“To my constituents, it has been the honor of my life fighting for you in the U.S. House of Representatives,” she said. Thank you for standing with me and fighting alongside me. This fight is far from over.”