Representative Sheila Cherfilas-McCormick (D-FL) resigned from Congress on Tuesday, moments before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to consider sanctions as she continues to fight a pending federal criminal case.
Cherfilas-McCormick announced her resignation in a statement posted Tuesday afternoon and later submitted a formal resignation letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
In her public statement, Cherfilas-McCormick described the ethical process as a “witch hunt” and said:
Cherfilas-McCormick’s formal resignation letter to Johnson said“I hereby resign my position as Representative of Florida’s 20th Congressional District from the 119th Congress, effective Tuesday, April 21, 2026; at 1:30 p.m..”
“After careful reflection and prayer, I have concluded that it is in the best interests of my constituents and the institution that I step aside at this time,” Cherfilas-McCormick wrote. He said he was committed to “supporting a smooth transition and ensuring continuity of service for the district”.
Punchbowl News Congress reporter Max Cohen shared House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) said, “In light of Ms. McCormick’s resignation earlier today, the Ethics Committee has now lost jurisdiction over this matter. There will be no sanctions hearing.”
The resignation came after several months of escalating legal and ethical issues. A federal grand jury in Miami indictment In November 2025, Cherfilas-McCormick alleged that she and her brother, Edwin Cherfilas, diverted a $5 million FEMA overpayment associated with the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination contract through their family company, Trinity Health Care Services.
Prosecutors alleged that some of the money was routed through multiple accounts and used to finance Cherfilas-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign, make straw-donor contributions and personally benefit the defendants. He was accused of filing false federal tax returns by former tax preparer David K. He was also accused of conspiring with Spencer. Cherfilas-McCormick has advocated Not guilty and has denied wrongdoing.
House Ethics Committee on January 30 Said It found “substantial evidence” supporting the allegations and widespread misconduct involving campaign finance laws and regulations, criminal statutes related to campaign finance misconduct, the Ethics in Government Act, the Code of Conduct for Government Service, and House Rules.
Cherfilas-McCormick argued that the process violated her due process rights, adding that she was “deeply disappointed” that the committee moved forward while the criminal case was pending. Republicans led by Representative Greg Stubbe (R-FL) called for his removal, while Representative Mary Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) also Said He should resign or be removed.
