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By Gabe Whisnant
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A Democratic challenger to former Representative Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick lashed out at her reelection bid, accusing her of trying to mislead voters after resigning from Congress under the threat of expulsion.
The criticism sharpens an already contentious race in Florida’s 20th Congressional District as voters weigh whether to return a lawmaker who stepped down amid ethics findings and criminal charges.
The dispute could shape the dynamics of the crowded Democratic primary for the safely Democratic seat, where multiple candidates are vying to succeed Cherfilus‑McCormick.
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In a statement shared with Newsweek, Democratic candidate Elijah Manley said Cherfilus‑McCormick was “trying to pull a quick one on voters,” accusing her of exploiting public trust during the COVID‑19 pandemic and warning that voters in the district would not overlook the allegations tied to her use of federal disaster relief funds.
Newsweek has reached out to Cherfilus‑McCormick's office via email on Friday evening for comment.
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Who’s Running for Florida’s 20th District?
Several candidates have already filed or declared bids for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, a heavily Democratic seat. Other Democrats in the race include community organizer Manley; former Broward County commissioner Dale Holness; attorney Mark Douglas; Maisha Williams; Dr. Rudolph Moise, a family physician; and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, a longtime South Florida activist and entertainer.
In his statement shared with Newsweek, Manley also said, “Unfortunately for her, voters will remember a crooked politician who took their money during a global pandemic and enriched herself. She is delusional if she thinks voters in FL-20 will send her back to Washington."
On the Republican side, a handful of candidates have filed, including Army veteran Rod Joseph, though Democrats are widely expected to retain the seat, making the Democratic primary the most consequential contest.
Why Did Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick Resign From Congress?
Cherfilus‑McCormick resigned from Congress on Tuesday just moments before the House Ethics Committee was set to begin a hearing that could have led to a recommendation that she be expelled from the chamber.
The move capped a more than 2‑year ethics investigation in which Cherfilus‑McCormick is accused of violating multiple federal laws and House rules and left her facing eroding support from fellow Democrats as prospects for an expulsion vote grew increasingly real.
In a statement announcing her resignation, Cherfilus‑McCormick said the Ethics Committee denied her newly retained attorney additional time to prepare a defense and described the investigation as a “witch hunt.” She said resigning was preferable to what she characterized as a politicized process, announcing she would step down effective immediately.
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“But let me say this plainly: we should be very careful about the precedent we are setting in this country,” Cherfilus‑McCormick said. “We do not punish people before due process is complete. We do not allow allegations alone to override the will of the people.”
It is highly unusual for a member of Congress to resign midterm and still seek immediate reelection to the same seat. While federal law does not bar former lawmakers from running again after resigning, resignation has traditionally marked an end to a campaign rather than a pause, particularly when tied to pending ethics findings or criminal charges.
Her resignation left Florida’s 20th Congressional District without representation for now, while a criminal case tied to alleged misuse of federal disaster relief funds continues toward a trial scheduled for next year. Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is required under federal law and Florida statutes to issue a writ of election setting the dates for a special primary, if necessary, and a special general election to fill the vacant seat.
Meanwhile, DeSantis and Republican lawmakers are also weighing whether to redraw congressional district lines before any election is held.
Cherfilus‑McCormick's resignation made her the third House lawmaker to step down in just over a week. Representative Eric Swalwell, California Democrat, and Representative Tony Gonzales, Texas Republican, both announced their resignations within hours of each other while facing sexual misconduct allegations and possible expulsion.
The Florida Democrat is also facing federal criminal charges accusing her of stealing about $5 million in federal disaster relief funds and using some of the money to purchase personal items, including a high‑value diamond ring. Prosecutors allege the funds were later funneled into her 2022 congressional campaign. She has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing.
The allegations center on how her family’s healthcare business received millions of dollars after Florida mistakenly overpaid the company during the COVID‑19 response. Investigators allege Cherfilus‑McCormick used a network of family members and businesses to route the money into campaign spending.
She declined to testify during a previous Ethics Committee hearing, citing her Fifth Amendment right against self‑incrimination. Her attorney argued lawmakers should have allowed a full ethics trial, including witness testimony, to challenge the committee’s findings.
While some supporters urged caution, House leaders privately acknowledged the likelihood of an expulsion vote. The Ethics Committee said its investigation involved 59 subpoenas, interviews with 28 witnesses and a review of more than 33,000 pages of documents.
Expulsion requires the support of two‑thirds of the House, a threshold reached only six times in U.S. history—most recently in 2023, when Representative George Santos was expelled following criminal charges and a sweeping ethics report.
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
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