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Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Amid Ethics Violations
U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, resigned from Congress just before a House Ethics Committee hearing on her alleged violations. The resignation follows a Justice Department indictment related to financial fraud involving FEMA funds. The move leaves her seat vacant, potentially leading to a special election.
Apr 21, 11:50 PM·2m read2 sources
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m. The resignation came 30 minutes before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to convene a hearing to discuss potential sanctions against her for ethics violations. Cherfilus-McCormick announced her decision in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
She stated that after reflection, she concluded it was in the best interest of her constituents and the institution to step aside.
An investigative ethics panel found Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of more than two dozen violations last month. These violations are connected to federal financial-fraud charges. The Justice Department indicted her in November 2025, alleging she knowingly received a $5 million overpayment in FEMA funds to a family business she helped operate.
Prosecutors said she used the money to fund her 2021 congressional campaign. >"It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the people of my district. I remain proud of the work we have accomplished on behalf of our communities. " — Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, April 21, 2026 (Politico).
the resignation, the House Ethics Committee adjourned its planned hearing without taking action. Michael Guest, the ranking member of the committee, stated that the panel lost jurisdiction over the matter due to her exit from the House. Cherfilus-McCormick faced increasing calls from members of both parties for her resignation or expulsion.
This pressure intensified after recent resignations by other House members facing their own controversies. In a social media statement, Cherfilus-McCormick described the committee's process as unfair and said she was prevented from properly defending herself.
