Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces expulsion from Congress after being found guilty of more than two dozen ethics violations involving financial misconduct. The Florida Democrat refuses to resign despite mounting pressure from both parties and an Ethics Committee hearing scheduled for Tuesday that will recommend punitive action.

Ethics Trial Reveals Massive Fraud

Cherfilus-McCormick was convicted in March during a rare House ethics trial on charges she funneled over $5 million in disaster relief funds to her campaign and family healthcare company. The funds exceeded what the government owed the company by more than 100 times. She made no attempt to return the improperly obtained money and now faces a separate criminal trial following a 2025 federal grand jury indictment.

Republicans Push Expulsion Vote

Rep. Greg Steube announced he will force an expulsion vote regardless of the Ethics Committee’s recommendation. Success requires a two-thirds majority, meaning Democrats must support the measure. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated she would vote to expel Cherfilus-McCormick if she doesn’t resign. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will meet after the Ethics Committee proceedings to decide their position, promising to follow facts and apply law without fear.

Campaign in Crisis

Cherfilus-McCormick maintains her innocence and refuses to suspend her re-election campaign despite having just $11,000 in campaign funds. Her campaign carries nearly $4.4 million in debt, largely from legal fees. Federal Election Commission filings show mounting financial pressure as multiple Democrats line up to challenge her in the August 2026 primary. The Congressional Black Caucus donated $5,000 to her campaign in early 2026 and has remained largely silent on the allegations.

Historic Consequences

If expelled, Cherfilus-McCormick would become the first House member removed since George Santos in 2023. Only six lawmakers have been expelled from the House in American history. Her safe Democratic seat could face redistricting by Florida’s Republican-controlled state legislature. Recent resignations by Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales over sexual misconduct allegations demonstrate the pressure facing accused lawmakers. Rep. Cory Mills also faces a pending expulsion vote.