Democrats Gear Up to Expel Cherfilus-McCormick

Numerous House Democrats plan to vote for expelling Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) when the House Ethics Committee rules on her case Tuesday, amid accusations of laundering $5 million in COVID relief funds for her campaign.

Bipartisan Pressure Mounts

Republicans will push the expulsion vote, needing about 80 Democratic votes to succeed; several Democrats—including Reps. Angie Craig, Eric Sorensen, Shri Thanedar, and others—have signaled support if recommended. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries avoided directing votes but pledged a caucus meeting post-hearing to “follow the facts,” while Cherfilus-McCormick denies wrongdoing and awaits trial.

Caucus Dynamics and Outcomes

Lawmakers anonymously predict enough votes regardless of leadership, citing high standards and public trust; some expect Jeffries to urge her resignation privately, avoiding a floor fight. Expulsion remains rare—members often quit preemptively—and the issue could resolve swiftly one way or another.