Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns from Congress Ahead of Ethics Hearing

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.

Florida Republican Rep. Greg Steube had planned to introduce a privileged resolution to expel Cherfilus-McCormick after the hearing, which would have required a vote within two legislative days. Speaker Mike Johnson had indicated last week that expulsion would be appropriate given the allegations.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated on April 20, 2026, that Democrats would hold a caucus meeting to discuss handling the committee's recommendations. After her resignation, Steube called on the Department of Justice to put Cherfilus-McCormick in prison.

"This is a victory for our institution and the great state of Florida," Steube wrote on X. "Thank you to everyone who stayed involved and kept the pressure on.