Former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has filed to run for re-election despite resigning from office amid ongoing congressional and federal investigations. The move comes as she faces allegations related to the misuse of disaster relief funds.
Cherfilus-McCormick submitted a notice of candidacy to the Florida Department of State on April 17. The filing was made about a week before she officially stepped down from Congress, Fox News reported.
She resigned from office Tuesday as scrutiny intensified. Her office did not immediately respond to requests for comment about her decision to remain in the race.
She resigned from office Tuesday as scrutiny intensified
The filing raises questions about whether she intends to continue pursuing public office while defending herself against multiple allegations. It also comes as legal and ethics proceedings continue to unfold.
Her resignation followed an expected recommendation from the House Ethics Committee that she be punished for alleged misconduct. The committee’s findings outlined a series of violations tied to campaign finance and official conduct.
According to the committee, Cherfilus-McCormick committed 18 campaign finance violations. Investigators also cited five counts of false financial disclosures, three counts of misusing official funds and one count of lack of candor.
According to the committee, Cherfilus-McCormick committed 18 campaign finance violations
The allegations center on claims that she improperly directed disaster relief funding through various companies. Investigators said those funds were then used to support her political campaign.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing. She said her decision to step down was tied to concerns about the process rather than an admission of guilt.
“This was not a fair process. The Ethics Committee refused my new attorney’s reasonable request for time to prepare my defense,” she said in a statement. “I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished,” she said.
“This was not a fair process
Her legal challenges extend beyond the ethics investigation. In November, a Miami grand jury indicted her on charges related to the alleged misuse of federal funds.
Prosecutors allege she was involved in a scheme to improperly obtain millions of dollars from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The case centers on approximately $5 million in disaster relief funding.
The indictment marks a significant development in the federal investigation. It also adds another layer of uncertainty to her political future.
Prosecutors allege she was involved in a scheme to improperly obtain millions of dollars from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Despite those challenges, Cherfilus-McCormick’s filing indicates she is not stepping away from electoral politics. It remains unclear how the legal proceedings may affect her candidacy moving forward.
Under Florida law, candidates can file to run for office while legal matters are pending. However, the outcome of those cases could impact ballot access or campaign viability.
The resignation leaves her congressional seat vacant. Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet announced a date for a special election to fill the position.
Under Florida law, candidates can file to run for office while legal matters are pending
The situation has drawn attention as it unfolds at both the state and federal levels. It also highlights the intersection of legal proceedings and electoral politics.
For now, Cherfilus-McCormick’s candidacy remains active. The coming months are expected to determine whether she can continue her campaign while addressing the allegations against her.
