Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress

This is Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick — Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick speaks after a swearing-in ceremony at the Broward County Commission chambers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 27, 2025. Photo: Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) resigned from Congress on Tuesday just before the House Ethics Committee was set to recommend a punishment for her.

Why it matters: Cherfilus-McCormick was likely on the cusp of being expelled, with even fellow House Democrats saying they could no longer countenance her continued presence in Congress.

The Ethics Committee found Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of a litany of charges last month, most notably funneling $5 million in COVID relief funds to her congressional campaign. She has denied wrongdoing.
Many lawmakers expected the Ethics Committee to float a severe penalty, potentially including expulsion.
It's the third resignation from a House member this month, after Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).

What they're saying: Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement that the Ethics Committee did not give her a "fair process" and that her ongoing criminal trial prevented her from defending herself.

"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," she said.
Cherfilus-McCormick said her resignation was "effective immediately," and it was read out on the House floor minutes later.

What we're hearing: Cherfilus-McCormick had been under considerable pressure from Democratic colleagues to step aside rather than force them to vote on her expulsion.

Multiple members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who had been among Cherfilus-McCormick's most ardent defenders, spoke to her ahead of the Ethics Committee hearing, according to a senior House Democrat.

Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), the CBC chair, praised Cherfilus-McCormick in a statement, saying she "contributed to the ongoing effort to ensure that Congress reflects the people it serves."

What's next: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) was planning to force a vote on expelling Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) this week, who faces allegations including financial misconduct, campaign finance violations and sexual misconduct, all of which he denies.

Some Democrats had viewed Mills' expulsion as a necessary counterbalance to Cherfilus-McCormick's in order to neutralize any potential partisan gain from her ouster.
Mills is currently under investigation by the Ethics committee.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and has been updated.

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Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress

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