An embattled Democratic congresswoman who resigned this week under the threat of expulsion is already seeking to reclaim her seat.
That’s according to a new report in NOTUS, which reported Friday that former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick filed for reelection just four days before stepping down from Congress. A campaign aide confirmed to the outlet that she plans to run again for the southern Florida seat as a Democrat.
Cherfilus-McCormick abruptly resigned Tuesday, about 30 minutes before the House Ethics Committee was set to recommend punishment following a two-year-long investigation. The panel previously found her responsible for 25 ethics violations, including allegations that she improperly used millions in federal disaster relief funds to support her 2021 campaign, NOTUS reported.
The investigation included dozens of subpoenas, witness interviews, and over 33,000 documents. The former lawmaker also faces separate criminal charges tied to pandemic-era relief funds, with a trial now scheduled for 2027.
But despite giving up her congressional seat — and her looming legal troubles — political observers told NOTUS she could remain competitive in the Florida district, which spans from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale, where name recognition plays a major role in elections.
“While we would have to check with the lawyers to see if Cherfilus-McCormick can run using Cell Block C as her residence, it isn’t clear that there is anyone in that district who can beat her if she runs again,” the Democratic operative said.
At least five other Democrats are vying for the seat in the primary, including educator Elijah Manley, who wasted no time criticizing the former congresswoman.
“Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned in disgrace moments before her colleagues were set to expel her from Congress,” Manley said in a text to NOTUS. “The last thing our community needs is a second round of chaos and instability. She should focus on her legal troubles.”