A Democratic congresswoman facing serious federal charges is now under fire for touting political support she hasn’t actually received.
Florida Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who was indicted last fall for allegedly stealing millions in disaster relief funds, is promoting what her campaign calls an endorsement from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — even though Pelosi has not publicly backed her reelection bid in years.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign website features a glowing statement attributed to Pelosi, suggesting current support for the embattled lawmaker.
“Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, in her time in Congress, has been masterful at bringing people together… by working on big problems and staying focused on shared values,” Pelosi says in the statement. “It is my honor and privilege to support Sheila… for re-election as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 20th Congressional District.”
But according to a press release reviewed by the Daily Caller News Foundation, Pelosi made that comment in July 2022 — nearly four years ago — when Cherfilus-McCormick was running for her first full term. A source familiar with the matter confirmed Pelosi has not issued any recent public endorsement.
Despite that, the campaign continues to present the statement as if it reflects Pelosi’s current support heading into the 2026 election.
Millions Allegedly Diverted From FEMA Funds
Federal prosecutors allege Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaigns were partially financed through more than $5.7 million in FEMA overpayments issued to her family’s company, Trinity Health Care Services.
Rather than returning the money, prosecutors say the congresswoman used a “substantial portion” of the funds to boost her political run while also spending on “luxury personal items.”
The Department of Justice indicted Cherfilus-McCormick in November on charges including stealing federal COVID-19 disaster relief funds, funneling money into her campaign, participating in a straw donor scheme, and conspiring to file a false tax return.
If convicted, she could face up to 53 years in prison.
Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty and denies wrongdoing. She was not present at her Feb. 3 arraignment in Miami federal court.
Political Standing Collapsing at Home
Even in her deep-blue Fort Lauderdale-area district, the congresswoman’s political future appears shaky.
A Listener Group–Political Matrix News survey released Monday found only 22% of likely Democratic primary voters believe she should remain in office and seek reelection. She holds a -30% favorability rating, with just two in ten respondents approving of her job performance ahead of the August 2026 primary.
She is also facing a growing challenge from 26-year-old activist Elijah Manley, who leads her 38% to 35% in a hypothetical primary matchup. Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness trails with 10% support.
The poll surveyed 300 likely primary voters from Feb. 2–4 and reported a 3% margin of error.
Weak Fundraising and Mounting Ethics Scrutiny
Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign raised just $119,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, while spending nearly as much — $110,000 — on legal fees, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
Meanwhile, her opponents posted stronger numbers: Manley raised $79,000, and Holness brought in $140,000 during the same period.
The congresswoman is also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations including illegal donations and inaccurate financial reporting. The committee has already found “substantial evidence” of misconduct tied to the federal indictment.
A Campaign Built on Yesterday’s Support
With criminal charges looming, sinking poll numbers, and serious ethical questions, Cherfilus-McCormick is now facing backlash not only for the allegations — but for campaigning as though Pelosi still stands behind her.
