Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick served in the U.S. House of Representatives from January 18, 2022, until April 21, 2026, representing Florida’s 20th District. She was the first Haitian American Democrat elected to Congress.

Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from Congress on April 21, 2026, shortly before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to consider disciplinary recommendations in an ethics case. In her resignation statement, she denied that the process was fair, said a pending criminal indictment prevented her from defending herself before the committee, and said she was stepping away to fight for her constituents outside the House.

During her House tenure, Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick served on committees including Education and Labor, Veterans’ Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs subcommittees. She was also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Haitian Caucus, and the Caribbean Caucus.

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from Howard University. In a further pursuit of education, the Congresswoman also earned a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University.

While in office, Cherfilus-McCormick focused on rising unemployment rates, the cost of living, access to quality health care, and equitable opportunities. As a Haitian American woman in Congress representing one of the largest Haitian communities in the United States, she described her work as being a voice for her district. Cherfilus-McCormick had established herself within her district as a healthcare executive, working up to the position of Chief Executive Officer for Trinity Healthcare Services Inc.

Cherfilus-McCormick is married to Corlie McCormick and is a mother of two.

Background and congressional priorities

Before entering Congress, Cherfilus-McCormick was a healthcare executive and advocate. She led Trinity Health Care Services, worked on COVID-19 vaccination and employment efforts, and promoted small-business support, minority women’s investment, and community food and mask distribution programs. She graduated from Howard University and St. Thomas University School of Law, and she described healthcare access, economic opportunity, housing, inflation, and support for Florida’s Haitian American community as central priorities.