Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned from Congress ahead of a possible expulsion following a major ethics scandal and ongoing federal charges. The Florida Democrat wasfound guiltyof violating more than 20 House ethics rules and is also facing allegations of stealing millions of dollars in FEMA funds. Her resignation comes as scrutiny intensified over financial irregularities tied to her conduct.
In a statement posted on X, Cherfilus-McCormick pushed back againstthe process, calling it unfair and politically motivated. “This was not a fair process. The Ethics Committee refused my new attorney’s reasonable request for time to prepare my defense,” she said. She argued that proceeding while a criminal indictment is pending prevented her from properly defending herself.
Labeling the investigation a “witch hunt,” she added, “I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished.”
Despite stepping down, she framed her resignation as a strategic decision rather than an admission of wrongdoing. “Rather than play these political games, I choose to step away so that I can devote my time to fighting for my neighbors in Florida’s 20th district,” she said, confirming her resignation from the 119th Congress effective immediately.
Cherfilus-McCormickalso warned about the broader implications of the case, saying, “We should be very careful about the precedent we are setting… we do not punish people before due process is complete.”
She closed her statement by thanking her constituents, calling it “the honor of my life” to serve them, and vowed that “this fight is far from over.”
Cheriflus-McCormick is the third member of Congress to resign in recent weeks amid a scandal.Eric Swalwell (D-California)andTony Gonzales (R-Texas)both stepped down recently amid sexual misconduct allegations. A fourth House member,Cory Mills (R-Florida), is also facing pressure to resign and even expulsion vote after he was accused of sexual harassment, assault, financial and ethical misconduct and stolen valor.
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