Former Florida Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Files for Reelection Amid Criminal and Ethics Investigations
Introduction
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on April 21, 2026, amid allegations of misusing millions of dollars in federal disaster relief funds, has subsequently filed paperwork to run for the same seat in the 2028 election as a Democrat. Her resignation prevented a scheduled disciplinary hearing by the House Ethics Committee, which had found strong evidence of serious wrongdoing. She also faces a separate federal criminal indictment.
Main Body
Cherfilus-McCormick represented Florida’s 20th Congressional District from January 2022 until her resignation. The House Ethics Committee investigated 27 counts of violations related to the alleged transfer of approximately $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds—disbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to a family-owned healthcare company—into her 2021 congressional campaign. The committee reported strong evidence of 18 campaign finance violations, five counts of false financial disclosures, three counts of misusing official funds, and one count of lack of honesty. Cherfilus-McCormick claimed that the committee’s process was unfair and that she resigned to devote time to defending herself outside of Congress. In addition, a federal grand jury in Miami indicted Cherfilus-McCormick in November 2025 on charges of theft of federal disaster funds, money laundering, and using the money for her campaign. The indictment also alleges that she purchased a 3.14-carat ‘Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond’ ring for $109,000 with stolen funds. She has pleaded not guilty and faces a maximum sentence of 53 years if convicted. Despite her resignation and ongoing legal cases, Cherfilus-McCormick submitted a candidate filing to the Florida Department of State on April 17, 2026—one week before stepping down—to run in the 2028 Democratic primary, scheduled for August 18. She would face at least five other candidates for the nomination. An anonymous political worker in the district suggested that her high name recognition and the district’s coverage across multiple media markets make her a strong contender, though legal questions remain about whether she can run while under indictment. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, has not yet announced a date for a special election to fill the vacant seat. The state’s Republican-controlled legislature is considering redistricting plans for the 20th District. Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation also increased the narrow Republican majority in the House. Her departure is part of a series of recent resignations from the House. Representatives Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell resigned the previous week amid separate ethics investigations involving allegations of sexual misconduct. Neither has been charged with a crime; Swalwell denied the allegations, and Gonzales acknowledged an inappropriate relationship with a staffer. Unlike Cherfilus-McCormick, both served more than five years and may retain pension eligibility. Representatives Lauren Boebert and Senator Josh Hawley have announced plans to introduce legislation that would bar lawmakers convicted of felonies or those who violate House Rule 18 (prohibiting sexual relationships with supervised staff) from receiving congressional pensions. Cherfilus-McCormick’s service from January 2022 to April 2026 is less than the five-year requirement for a pension.
Conclusion
Cherfilus-McCormick’s decision to seek reelection while facing both a federal criminal trial and the consequences of an ethics investigation creates significant legal and political uncertainty. The status of her candidacy, the timing of a special election, and the outcome of her criminal case remain unresolved.