Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick represents Florida's 20th congressional district, which includes majority-Black communities in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. A member of the Democratic Party, she first entered Congress in 2022 following a special election. Before her political career, she served as a project manager for the New York City Transit Authority and later became the CEO of Trinity Health Care Services, a family-owned home health care company. She holds a degree in political science from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law.

In the House of Representatives, she holds several key committee assignments, including the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. She serves as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa and is active on the Subcommittee on Africa. Her legislative work often focuses on healthcare access, labor rights, and support for marginalized groups. Notable bills she has sponsored include the Respect for Essential Workers Act and the Historically Underserved Veterans Inclusion Act of 2025.

Her tenure has also been marked by significant legal challenges. In late 2025, she was indicted on multiple federal counts related to the alleged theft of FEMA funds, money laundering, and illegal campaign contributions. Despite these ongoing legal proceedings, she continues to represent her district while advocating for policies related to equal pay and expanded outreach for agricultural and conservation programs.