The resignation of Sheila Cherfilus-Mccormick from Congress is not the Democratic Party’s finest moment. Despite being convicted by the House Ethics Committee last month, she waited until it was clear she would be expelled in a bipartisan vote. Charges of stealing $5 million in federal disaster relief funds was too much for the party.
Now Florida LGBTQ groups are responding to the news and keeping their options open regarding her replacement.
Kristen Browde, president of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, said, “We are always disappointed when a politician engages in misconduct, no matter the party.”
She did not comment on possible successor candidates.
Dolphin Democrats President Alfredo Olvera said the group “acknowledge[s] the resignation of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and recognize this as a significant moment for our community and for South Florida.”
When it comes to endorsing a replacement, he says they don’t do that, and leave it up to Browde’s organization.
LGBTQ Candidate
Elijah Manley was already challenging Cherfilus-McCormick in the primary and one poll showed him within striking distance before the resignation. He has been talking about this scandal for a year and today made his case for why he is suited to represent the district.
“I was raised in Sistrunk by a single mother, many days in homelessness and poverty. I have spent years organizing alongside families in the district. Now the district deserves a special election to elect a representative who will fight for things working families actually need: housing they can afford, a living wage, healthcare as a right, and a Congress that finally works for them.”
When a special election will happen is up to the governor. District 20 is Florida’s bluest district and the only one that went unchallenged in the last election cycle. Given the razor-thin partisan divide in Congress, Olvera isn’t optimistic about a speedy process.
“Given the current political environment, it would not be surprising if that election is delayed and the seat remains open until November.”
Another scandal could force the governor’s hand. Republican Cory Mills represents Florida’s Seventh District, which covers the state from north of Orlando to New Smyrna Beach, and is under investigation on allegations of violating campaign finance laws, receiving special favors in his position, engaging in sexual misconduct, and misusing congressional resources.
Manley intends to run in the special to finish the term as well as a seat in the next Congress.
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