Democratic Lawmaker Calls for Indicted Colleague's Resignation

Representative Himes joins others in urging Cherfilus-McCormick to step down over ethics violations and federal charges.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty government office space filled with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and ethical uncertainty.As ethical concerns mount, the quiet, dimly lit halls of Congress reflect the growing unease over potential abuses of power.NYC Today

U.S. Representative Jim Himes has joined other members of the Democratic party in calling for fellow Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to resign following a congressional panel's finding that she violated ethics rules. Cherfilus-McCormick was also indicted by a federal grand jury in November on charges of stealing relief funds and directing them to her own 2021 congressional campaign.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about ethical lapses and potential abuse of power among elected officials, with Himes noting the importance of both parties consistently punishing such violations within their own ranks.

The details

A subcommittee found that 25 counts of alleged violations by Cherfilus-McCormick had been proven 'by clear and convincing evidence.' The full House Ethics Committee will decide on sanctions after the House returns from its April recess. The November indictment accused Cherfilus-McCormick and others of conspiring to steal an overpayment of $5 million received by her family-owned healthcare company and routing the money through multiple accounts to disguise its source.

  • On March 29, 2026, Representative Jim Himes called for Cherfilus-McCormick to resign on CBS' 'Face the Nation' program.
  • In November 2025, Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of stealing relief funds and directing them to her own 2021 congressional campaign.
  • On March 24, 2026, a congressional subcommittee found that 25 counts of alleged ethics violations by Cherfilus-McCormick had been proven 'by clear and convincing evidence.'

The players

Jim Himes

A U.S. Representative and member of the Democratic party who has called for Cherfilus-McCormick to resign.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

A U.S. Representative and member of the Democratic party who was found to have violated ethics rules and was indicted on federal charges related to stealing relief funds.

Michael Guest

A Republican U.S. Representative from Mississippi who chairs the House of Representatives Ethics Committee.

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

A Democratic U.S. Representative who has also called for Cherfilus-McCormick to resign.

George Santos

A former Republican U.S. Representative from New York who was expelled from Congress and jailed on charges of fraud and identity theft before being released by President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“If she doesn't resign, there will be a vote in the House. … I would hope that my colleague might avoid that outcome by choosing to resign.”

— Jim Himes, U.S. Representative

“It is also very important that both parties be consistent in punishing ethical lapses inside their own teams.”

— Jim Himes, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The full House Ethics Committee will decide on what sanctions to recommend for Cherfilus-McCormick after the House returns from its April recess.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing ethical violations and potential abuse of power among elected officials, with calls for both parties to consistently hold their own members accountable.