FEC Investigates Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for Possible Campaign Finance Violations
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has initiated an investigation into Florida Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick following allegations of violations related to campaign finance laws at both the federal and state levels.
Her campaign has reportedly begun working with Mark Goodrich, a political consultant with previous affiliations to Republicans. Goodrich was actively involved in her 2021 special election for the South Florida House seat she currently holds. An August 11th legal complaint from the Coolidge-Reagan Foundation raised concerns regarding Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign, indicating a failure to disclose illegal contributions linked to Goodrich and the families of lawmakers. This investigation is also tied to findings by the Congressional Office of Ethics (OCE).
“You don’t just magically not report,” Dan Backer, a lawyer who filed the complaint, noted. He added that there seemed to be a pattern of corruption tied to these activities. The foundation expressed serious concerns about the integrity of these transactions.
Goodrich’s connections also include Corlie McCormick Jr. and Chantrell McCormick, who are related to lawmakers. They registered a Florida Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) called Progressive People Inc., which allegedly funneled $725,000 to a nonprofit, Truth and Justice Inc. (TJI), in 2022. Notably, TJI, a tax-exempt organization, appears to have been involved in questionable financial dealings related to campaign costs.
There are suspicions that Goodrich had direct access to TJI funds and used these to cover expenses for Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign. Requests for comments from involved parties, including Goodrich and Chantrell McCormick, went unanswered.
Reports indicate that Goodrich managed Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign during significant election periods. The Ethics Committee has yet to reach any conclusions regarding the ongoing review of these claims, with Cherfilus-McCormick reassuring that the request for further scrutiny does not imply wrongdoing on her part.
While under investigation by both the FEC and OCE, Cherfilus-McCormick could also be facing challenges from Florida Republicans in the upcoming redistricting process, which may affect her historically safe Democratic district before the midterms in 2026. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has criticized the current shape of her district as unconstitutional and racially gerrymandered.
Recently, TJI initiated three wire transfers summing up to $150,000 to a vendor for Cherfilus-McCormick’s reelection efforts, which led to accusations of exceeding FEC contribution limits. Cherfilus-McCormick has acknowledged Goodrich’s role in campaign materials and distribution while asserting no illegal contributions were reported.
Reflecting on the situation, Cherfilus-McCormick commented on the difficulty of effectively serving in Congress while under investigation. She emphasized the necessity of trust and transparency in representation, citing past scandals that highlighted the need for change in leadership.
Adding to the controversy, a week before TJI’s first wire transfer on her behalf, Cherfilus-McCormick filed a lawsuit against former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, her opponent in the special election, alleging defamatory campaign tactics against her.
In another complaint, the Coolidge-Reagan Foundation claimed that during her tenure as CEO of Trinity Health Care Services, Cherfilus-McCormick inappropriately directed taxpayer funds to benefit family-run businesses. Trinity reportedly received an inflated amount from the Florida Department of Emergency Services intended for vaccination support, raising further questions about mismanagement and ethical practices.
Overall, Cherfilus-McCormick’s situation is evolving, with various legal and political challenges intersecting at this crucial moment in her career.
