Despite previously affirming that she wouldn't resign, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) has announced her exit.
In a statement shared on social media, the Florida Democrat announced that she was resigning from office to avoid “these political games.”
“This was not a fair process,” Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick said, noting that “the Ethics Committee refused my new attorney’s reasonable request for time to prepare my defense.” “By going forward with this process while a criminal indictment is pending, the Committee prevented me from defending myself.”
Last month, the House Ethics Committee found her guilty of 25 ethics charges, but Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick maintained her innocence.
Since then, House Republicans have launched an effort to expel her from Congress.
“I will not stand by and pretend that this has been anything other than a witch hunt,” she wrote in her resignation announcement, adding, “I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished.”
Because of this alleged infringement of her "due process rights," she has chosen to resign from office.
“But let me say this plainly: we should be very careful about the precedent we are setting,” the Florida Democrat warned. “In this country, we do not punish people before due process is complete. We do not allow allegations alone to override the will of the people,” she added.
“That is a dangerous path, and one that should concern every American, regardless of party.”
In response to the resignation, RNC Spokeswoman Emma Hall issued a statement to The Floridian, commenting, "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is an unashamed con artists who stole millions from Florida taxpayers and flaunted it." "Resigning in disgrace is the bare minimum after defrauding the American people, and every Democrat who ran out the clock to cover for her corruption should be ashamed," she added.
"Congress is better off with her gone."
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick's resignation comes after Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Tony Gonzales (R-TX) announced their own resignations over mounting sexual misconduct allegations. Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) has also faces mounting scrutiny over alleged past malfeasance. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced this week that the Florida Republican would be subpoenaed over allegations of "stolen valor."
She should be in Federal Prison!! And for her to say what she said – SMH!!!! It’s never their fault it’s everyone else!!! Tired of it….Lock her up like you and I would be if we stole that money