politics
Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns from Congress Ahead of Ethics Hearing
Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on April 21, 2026, shortly before a scheduled House Ethics Committee hearing on sanctions. She faced 25 ethics violations and a federal indictment for stealing $5 million in FEMA funds. Her resignation marks the third such departure from the House in the past week.
Apr 22, 9:40 AM·2m read1 source
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Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from her position in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 21, 2026, just before a public hearing by the House Ethics Committee to determine sanctions against her. The committee had found her guilty of 25 ethics violations last month, including acceptance of improper campaign contributions and commingling of campaign and personal funds.
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2025 on charges of stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds, which prosecutors said she laundered to support her 2021 congressional campaign. She has denied wrongdoing, excusing the allegations as an accounting error.
" "By going forward with this process while a criminal indictment is pending, the Committee prevented me from defending myself," she said.
Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest stated that the committee had lost jurisdiction over the matter following the resignation. He added that the investigation was deliberate and addressed serious allegations. Ranking member Mark DeSaulnier noted that no one was happy with the process but expressed pride in the committee's work.
Cherfilus-McCormick's resignation is the third from the House in the past week, following those of Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas and Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, both accused of sexual misconduct and facing potential expulsion efforts.
Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority vote in the House, as per Article 1, Section 5 of the Constitution. Only six House members have been expelled in U.S. history, with former New York Republican Rep. George Santos being the most recent in 2023.
