Florida Representative Resigns Before Ethics Vote on Misuse of Funds

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned just before a vote on ethics violations. This follows findings that she misused $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds for her campaign.
By Newsroom | Politics, US News |

WASHINGTON D.C. - Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. Her departure occurred moments before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to convene and decide on potential sanctions, which could have included expulsion from Congress.

Florida Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, facing possible expulsion, resigns - 1

The committee had previously found Cherfilus-McCormick in violation of over two dozen House rules and ethical standards, specifically concerning allegations of misusing federal relief funds to finance her initial congressional campaign. She faces separate federal criminal charges related to these allegations, though she has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty in that case.

Florida Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, facing possible expulsion, resigns - 2

Resignation Precedes Expulsion Vote

Cherfilus-McCormick's resignation effectively halts the Ethics Committee's proceedings and averts a vote on her expulsion from the House floor. Her attorney had argued against the committee moving forward with a public hearing and verdict, citing potential interference with her ongoing criminal case and a violation of due process.

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In a statement, Cherfilus-McCormick asserted that the Ethics Committee's process was unfair, noting that her new legal team was denied adequate time to prepare a defense. She characterized the committee's actions as a "witch hunt."

Her decision makes her the third member of the House to resign in the past week, following two other lawmakers facing separate allegations. The House now has 218 Republican-aligned members and 213 Democrats, with four vacant seats.

Background and Allegations

The allegations against Cherfilus-McCormick, who represented Florida's 20th congressional district, centered on the claim that she used approximately $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds, intended for her family's healthcare company, to fuel her 2021 congressional campaign. She initially denied any intention to resign, even as pressure mounted from members of both parties. During a prior Ethics Committee hearing, Cherfilus-McCormick invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. House Democratic leaders had largely refrained from public criticism, stating they would await the ethics process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Florida Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resign from the House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 22, 2026?
She resigned just before the House Ethics Committee was going to vote on sanctions against her. The committee found she broke rules by using about $5 million in COVID-19 relief money for her campaign.
Q: What did the House Ethics Committee find against Representative Cherfilus-McCormick?
The committee found she violated over two dozen House rules. The main issue was using $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds, meant for her family's company, to pay for her 2021 campaign.
Q: What happens now that Representative Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned?
Her resignation stops the Ethics Committee from voting on expelling her from Congress. She also faces separate federal criminal charges for the same allegations, where she has pleaded not guilty.
Q: How does this resignation affect the balance of power in the House of Representatives?
Her resignation means there are now 218 Republican-aligned members and 213 Democrats in the House. There are also four seats that are currently empty.