Cherfilus-McCormick Resigns Amid Ethics Scandal

0:00It's April 21st. From your city to your ears, this is Tampa Bay News today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Florida Congresswoman Sheila Turfeless, McCormick, just announced she's resigning from the house right now, dodging a Republican push to kick her out. She posted on social media that she's stepping away from the 119th Congress to focus on her district instead of political fights. Earlier this week, Republican rep Greg Stabeh promised to force an expulsion vote, which needs two-thirds approval to pass. This all stems from a House Ethics Committee report back in March that found strong evidence she funneled federal disaster relief cash to her families. Healthcare business. A bunch of Democrats have even backed the expulsion call, despite her flat denials of any wrong. She's been talking tough against quitting rumors, but now she's out, leaving her seat open in Florida's 20th district. She's still got a heavy federal indictment hanging over her with 15 counts that could mean up to 53 years if convicted, though trial won't start till early 2027.

1:07She filed to run again, but only scraped $11,000 in her first fundraising quarter this year. Meanwhile, this fits a pattern after reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzalez bounce last week over their own misconduct scandals, both facing expulsion. Threats 2. Congress keeps shaking up like that.