Campaign fundraising plummets for Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick after indictment

Legal troubles and ethical concerns lead to a dramatic drop in donations for the Florida Democrat

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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As legal and ethical troubles escalated for Florida Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, financial support for her reelection campaign plummeted. Campaign finance reports show contributions dried up after her indictment was announced in November, while her legal expenses have skyrocketed. Cherfilus-McCormick faces primary challenges from former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness and political activist Elijah Manley, who have raised more campaign cash than the incumbent.

Why it matters

Cherfilus-McCormick's legal and ethical issues have had a significant impact on her campaign finances, raising questions about her ability to mount an effective reelection bid. The dynamics in this heavily Democratic district could shift depending on the outcome of the criminal case and any potential redistricting changes.

The details

Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November on charges of stealing money from her family's health care company during the COVID-19 pandemic and using the funds to help finance her first successful campaign. Her campaign spending on legal fees has skyrocketed, with over $650,000 in unpaid legal bills as of the end of 2025. Meanwhile, contributions to her campaign have plummeted since the indictment, with just $1,800 in large donations reported in the final six weeks of the year compared to $116,000 in the first seven weeks.

  • On Nov. 19, Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by federal authorities.
  • From Oct. 1 through Nov. 19, her campaign raised $116,000 in large contributions.
  • From Nov. 20 through Dec. 31, her campaign reported just $1,800 in large contributions.

The players

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

A Democratic Congresswoman from Florida's 20th district who is facing a federal indictment on charges of stealing money from her family's health care company and using the funds to finance her first successful campaign.

Dale Holness

A former Broward County Commissioner who has challenged Cherfilus-McCormick in the Democratic primary for the 20th district in 2021 and 2022 and is running again in 2026.

Elijah Manley

A political activist who has lost several previous campaigns for office but raised a significant amount of money, though much of it went to fundraising expenses, in the 2026 Democratic primary for the 20th district.

David Oscar Markus

An attorney who represented Cherfilus-McCormick after her indictment but has since withdrawn from the case.

Ron DeSantis

The Republican Governor of Florida who has indicated a desire to redraw the state's congressional districts, including the heavily Democratic 20th district represented by Cherfilus-McCormick.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.