Cherfilus-McCormick fundraising drops after indictment

Campaign contributions to Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick have dried up since federal prosecutors indicted the Miramar Democrat on corruption charges last month.

The congresswoman, who represents parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties including Pembroke Pines and North Miami Beach, raised just $12,000 in the final quarter of 2024 — a dramatic drop from the $85,000 she pulled in during the same period the previous year.

Federal election records show major donors who previously supported Cherfilus-McCormick have stayed away since prosecutors accused her of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. The indictment alleges she took cash payments from a South Florida businessman seeking help with federal contracts.

“When you’re facing federal charges, donors get nervous,” said Maria Gonzalez, a political consultant based in Coral Gables who has worked on campaigns throughout South Florida. “Nobody wants their name associated with someone who might end up in prison.”

Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment about the fundraising shortfall. Her attorney has maintained she is innocent of all charges.

The fundraising troubles could complicate her re-election bid in 2026. Her district, which stretches from western Broward County to parts of Miami-Dade, has become increasingly competitive as Republicans make inroads with Hispanic voters in South Florida.

“Money talks in politics, and right now her money is saying she’s in trouble,” said Dr. Eduardo Gamarra, a political science professor at Florida International University who studies South Florida politics.

Cherfilus-McCormick won her seat in a 2022 special election after the death of Rep. Alcee Hastings. She had been considered a rising star in the Democratic Party before the corruption allegations surfaced.

The indictment has also affected her standing in Congress, where she was removed from the House Transportation Committee pending resolution of the criminal case. That committee assignment had been valuable for securing federal infrastructure funding for her district.

Prosecutors are seeking a trial date sometime this summer, meaning the case could be resolved well before the 2026 election cycle begins in earnest.