History of Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2026

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is an American businesswoman and politician. Since 2022, she has served as the U.S. representative for Florida's 20th congressional district, which encompasses predominantly Black areas around Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. As a member of the Democratic Party, Cherfilus-McCormick secured her position through a special election in 2022, succeeding Alcee Hastings after his passing.

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Full Timeline

January 25, 1979: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's Birth

On January 25, 1979, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (née Cherfilus) was born.

Others born on this day/year

1999: VP of Operations at Trinity Health Care Services

In 1999, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick started as the vice president for operations of Trinity Health Care Services.

2007: Left Trinity Health Care Services

In 2007, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick ended her role as the vice president for operations of Trinity Health Care Services.

2018: Lost Congressional Primary Election

In 2018, Cherfilus-McCormick ran for Florida's 20th congressional district but lost in the August 28 Democratic primary against incumbent Alcee Hastings, with a vote share of 26.4% to Hastings' 73.6%.

2020: Lost Congressional Primary Election Again

In 2020, Cherfilus-McCormick challenged Hastings again for Florida's 20th congressional district. She lost the August 18 primary, receiving 30.7% of the vote to Hastings' 69.3%.

April 6, 2021: Death of Alcee Hastings

On April 6, 2021, Alcee Hastings, the incumbent representative for Florida's 20th congressional district, passed away.

January 11, 2022: Won General Election

On January 11, 2022, Cherfilus-McCormick won the general election, defeating Republican Jason Mariner. She became the second Haitian-American elected to Congress and the first Haitian-American Democrat elected to Congress.

2022: Ran in the Special Election

In 2022, Cherfilus-McCormick ran again for the 20th district in the special election.

2022: Election to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2022, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election to become the U.S. representative for Florida's 20th congressional district after Alcee Hasting's death.

December 27, 2023: House Ethics Committee Investigation Announced

On December 27, 2023, the House Ethics Committee announced that it was investigating Cherfilus-McCormick over complaints that she may have violated campaign finance laws, failed to submit required disclosures, and carried out improper hiring practices.

2023: Voted to Provide Support for Israel

In 2023, Cherfilus-McCormick voted to provide support for Israel following the Hamas attack.

2024: Re-elected Without Opposition

In 2024, McCormick was re-elected without opposition.

January 2025: $5 Million Lawsuit Filed Against Trinity Health Care Services

In January 2025, the state of Florida filed a $5 million lawsuit against Cherfilus-McCormick's Trinity Health Care Services business for allegedly accepting overpayments for work not performed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

September 2025: $1 Million Defamation Lawsuit Filed

In September 2025, Cherfilus-McCormick filed a $1 million defamation lawsuit against Elijah Manley, claiming he spread “blatant lies” about her record.

October 2025: Heated Exchange at Town Hall Meeting

In October 2025, at a town hall meeting, Cherfilus-McCormick and Elijah Manley got into a heated exchange.

November 2025: Indictment on Multiple Charges

In November 2025, Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted and charged with allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA funds, money laundering, and making illegal campaign contributions. If convicted, she faces up to 53 years in prison.