South Florida congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns before hearing
Miramar U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick abruptly resigned from Congress on Tuesday, stepping down just minutes before a House ethics hearing that was set to determine her political fate.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation was effective immediately, according to an April 21 statement posted on her social media accounts 20 minutes before the start of the hearing.
“Rather than play these political games, I choose to step away so that I can devote my time to fighting for my neighbors of Florida’s 20th District,” she wrote.
Cherfilus-McCormick had maintained her innocence and called her legal problems “politically motivated” as she prepared her defense.
The House Ethics Committee was preparing for a 2 p.m. meeting to consider punishment tied to findings that she violated 25 House rules and ethical standards.
Her sudden resignation halted the ethics process before the panel could publicly decide on sanctions, which could have ranged from reprimand to expulsion from the House.
Her departure opens the congressional seat in Florida’s District 20, representing parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties and setting off what is expected to be a competitive and closely watched race in South Florida.
A handful of Democrats, including Luther Campbell, a local celebrity and former member of the group 2 Live Crew, were planning to challenge Cherfilus-McCormick in the August primary.
Cherfilus-McCormick is the third member of Congress to resign since April 13, a rare cluster of departures that underscores a period of heightened scrutiny and accountability within the chamber.
Last week, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas stepped down following allegations of sexual misconduct involving staffers.
In March, the Ethics Committee found Cherfilus-McCormick responsible for 25 violations, escalating the case and paving the way for Tuesday’s anticipated disciplinary proceedings.
The legal troubles facing the Democrat extended beyond Congress. She was indicted in November in U.S. District Court in Miami on charges accusing her of stealing $5 million in COVID-19 disaster relief funds through her family’s Miramar-based health care company.
Prosecutors allege that a portion of that money was funneled into her 2021 congressional campaign. Her trial has been postponed until February.
Cherfilus-McCormick had denied wrongdoing in the case and pleaded not guilty.
Now, attention shifts to what comes next in her political district.
Under Florida law, the governor is expected to call a special election to fill the vacant seat, though the timing remains unclear. An August primary for the seat is already on the books.
The district, considered safely Democratic, is likely to draw a crowded field of candidates from across Broward and Palm Beach counties.
For some Broward voters, the resignation marks an abrupt end to Cherfilus-McCormick’s tenure. She was first elected to replace longtime congressman Alcee Hastings, who died while in office.
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 5:47 PM with the headline "South Florida congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns before hearing."
