Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick announced her immediate resignation from Congress, stepping down amid a widening ethics investigation and separate federal criminal charges. The decision came shortly after the House Ethics Committee held a sanctions hearing to determine potential disciplinary action.
In her resignation statement, Cherfilus-McCormick criticized the process, calling it unfair and disputing the findings against her. The Ethics Committee had previously concluded that she committed multiple violations of House rules following an extensive investigation. Allegations included improper campaign financing, failure to disclose certain payments, and misuse of resources tied to her political activities.
The ethics probe overlapped with a federal criminal case filed in 2025, in which prosecutors accused her and others of misusing millions in COVID-19 relief funds connected to a family healthcare business. Charges in the case include fraud and related financial offenses. Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty and has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Pressure had been building in Congress, with some lawmakers—including Jim Himes—calling for her resignation following the ethics findings. Reports indicated that, had the process continued, the House could have considered penalties ranging from censure to expulsion.
Her departure creates a vacancy in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, a seat expected to be filled through a special election. The resignation brings an abrupt end to her tenure while legal and political developments surrounding the case are likely to continue.