Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick represents Florida’s 20th Congressional District, encompassing areas in and around Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. She is the first Haitian-American Democrat elected to Congress and has been serving since January 2022.
Career Path to Congress
Early Life and Education: Born on January 25, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York, to Haitian parents, Cherfilus-McCormick moved to Florida at age 13. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law.
Professional Background: After law school, she worked as a project manager for the New York City Transit Authority. From 1999 to 2007, she served as Vice President of Operations at Trinity Health Care Services, a home health care company co-founded by her stepfather, Gabriel Smith. She later became the company’s CEO.
Political Endeavors: Cherfilus-McCormick challenged incumbent Alcee Hastings in the Democratic primaries for Florida’s 20th congressional district in 2018 and 2020 but was unsuccessful. Following Hastings’ death in 2021, she ran again and won the special election in January 2022.
Sponsored Legislation
As of the 119th Congress (2025-2026), Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick has sponsored 25 pieces of legislation. Her legislative efforts focus on:
Healthcare: Advocating for expanded access to quality health services.
Housing: Addressing the growing housing crisis to ensure affordable housing options.
Economic Equity: Promoting equitable opportunities for underserved communities.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Healthcare: A proponent of Medicare for All, Cherfilus-McCormick supports universal healthcare coverage.
Abortion: She upholds a woman’s right to choose and has voted against legislation that seeks to limit abortion access.
LGBTQ Issues: Committed to equality, she supports legislation that protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
Universal Basic Income: During her campaign, she proposed a $1,000-a-month universal basic income to address economic disparities.
Infrastructure Investment: She advocates for significant investments in infrastructure to stimulate job creation and economic growth.
Minimum Wage: Cherfilus-McCormick supports raising the federal minimum wage to ensure a livable income for all workers.
Demographics of Florida’s 20th Congressional District
Florida’s 20th District is predominantly composed of Black-majority areas in and around Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. The district has a significant Haitian-American population, reflecting its rich cultural diversity. For detailed and up-to-date demographic statistics, consulting the U.S. Census Bureau’s resources is recommended.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Campaign Finance Allegations: In December 2023, the House Ethics Committee initiated an investigation into allegations that Cherfilus-McCormick may have violated campaign finance laws, failed to submit required disclosures, and engaged in improper hiring practices. She has denied these allegations.
Defamation Lawsuit: In 2022, she filed a defamation lawsuit against her primary opponent, Dale Holness, seeking over $1 million in damages. The lawsuit stemmed from allegations that Holness’s campaign disseminated defamatory information about her.
Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick continues to serve her district, focusing on healthcare reform, housing affordability, and economic equity, while navigating the challenges and responsibilities of her role in Congress.