Mar 3, 2026 - Politics & Policy

Cherfilus-McCormick's lawyer withdraws ahead of Ethics hearing

Andrew Solender

Woman with long brown hair and glasses wearing a white and blue checked jacket stands outdoors with two blurred people in the background, one in a dark suit and red tie. — Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick leaving the Capitol on June 5, 2024. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

A lawyer representing Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) has withdrawn from her case just days before a scheduled public House Ethics Committee hearing, the panel announced Tuesday.

Why it matters: The development could signal internal trouble for Cherfilus-McCormick, who is being federally prosecuted on charges that she funneled $5 million in taxpayer funds to her congressional campaign.

The Florida Democrat has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has denied any wrongdoing.
Michael Stroud, the attorney who has represented Cherfilus-McCormick before the Ethics Committee, did not immediately respond to a text seeking comment, nor did a spokesperson for the congresswoman.

Driving the news: The committee said in a press release Monday that it will reschedule Cherfilus-McCormick's hearing from March 5 to March 26.

Since announcing the hearing date, the release said, "Cherfilus-McCormick's counsel in the matter withdrew from representing her" before the panel.
Cherfilus-McCormick "asked for a brief continuance to allow her to retain new counsel," it added.

Between the lines: The withdrawal is not likely to instill confidence in Cherfilus-McCormick's congressional colleagues as Republicans threaten a vote to expel her.

One House Democrat, asked for their reaction to the news, told Axios on the condition of about to discuss a sensitive matter involving a colleague: "Yikes."

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Cherfilus-McCormick's lawyer withdraws ahead of Ethics hearing

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