Miramar congresswoman’s fraud trial delayed, but calls continue for her resignation
The Miami fraud trial of Miramar U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, originally scheduled for next week, has been delayed until February 2027 — well after the midterm elections — ensuring voters will head to the polls without a verdict in her federal case.
Despite the delay, calls for Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation are intensifying during a week in which two other members of Congress — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas — stepped down following allegations of sexual misconduct involving staffers.
Several lawmakers from both parties have suggested that Cherfilus-McCormick and another Florida lawmaker, U.S. Rep. Cory Mills (R-New Smyrna Beach), who is accused of sexual and financial misconduct, could be next.
Cherfilus-McCormick has rejected those calls.
Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat who lives and works in Miramar but does not represent the district, has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges and maintains the case is politically motivated.
“I look forward to proving my innocence,” she said in a statement.
In November, a federal grand jury in Miami indicted Cherfilus-McCormick, accusing her and three others of stealing $5 million in FEMA COVID-19 funds, laundering the money and using it to support her 2021 congressional campaign.
In a statement to CBS News, she said she does not plan to resign, arguing that removing members without formal findings would set a “dangerous precedent.” She also said the allegations against her “are not the same as those facing some of my colleagues.”
The trial delay was requested jointly by prosecutors and defense attorneys, who said they need more time to review a large volume of evidence and prepare their cases.
U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles granted the request, moving the trial for Cherfilus-McCormick and three co-defendants to the two-week period beginning Feb. 8, 2027, according to a court filing. The brief order was posted Tuesday.
For constituents in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, which includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, the developments raise questions about their representation in Washington.
Cherfilus-McCormick is seeking reelection in November and already faces several challengers, including Luther Campbell, a former member of the rap group 2 Live Crew.
While the criminal case is now on hold, the congressional ethics process is moving forward. The House Ethics Committee has scheduled a public hearing for April 21 to consider possible punishment.
Last month, the committee found Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 violations of House rules and ethics standards.
The April 21 hearing marks a shift from the investigative phase to the disciplinary stage. The committee is expected to base its recommendation on the violations it identified in March, after which the full House would vote on any proposed sanction.
Potential penalties range from a reprimand to expulsion. A reprimand is a formal rebuke that allows a lawmaker to remain in office, while expulsion — the most severe sanction — requires a two-thirds vote of the full House and has been used only rarely in U.S. history.
Key dates to watch
- April 21: House Ethics Committee public hearing to recommend punishment for Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
- Aug. 18: Cherfilus-McCormick faces primary challengers. The winners will compete in the General Election. She is facing several opponents, including fellow Democrat Luther Campbell.
- Nov. 3: If she survives the primary, Cherfilus-McCormick will face a Republican challenger.
- February 2027: Cherfilus-McCormick’s Miami federal fraud trial is scheduled to begin.
This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists.
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 5:16 PM.
