Calls for Resignation and Potential Expulsion of Reps. Gonzales and Cherfilus-McCormick

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) has publicly called for the resignation of Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) amid serious allegations of unethical behavior. Luna's demand follows a report from the San Antonio Express-News detailing that Gonzales solicited nude photos from a staffer multiple times during his 2020 congressional campaign. Additionally, he faces allegations of having an affair with another congressional staffer, who tragically died by suicide. Text messages reportedly extracted from the deceased staffer's phone suggest Gonzales continued to solicit sexual material even after she expressed discomfort.

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The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into Gonzales's conduct, although they have not commented on the specific allegations reported. Concurrently, Luna has filed resolutions to censure Gonzales or strip him of his committee assignments, emphasizing her commitment to addressing issues related to sexual assault survivors.

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Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is also under scrutiny, having been found guilty by a bipartisan House Ethics subcommittee of 25 counts of misconduct. These charges include allegations that she misappropriated millions of dollars from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for her family's company. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Cherfilus-McCormick has faced significant backlash, including calls for her resignation from members of her own party. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) stated that Cherfilus-McCormick should resign or be removed, while Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas) echoed similar sentiments.

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As the House prepares to vote on her potential expulsion, there appears to be a growing consensus among lawmakers that Cherfilus-McCormick should step down. Reports indicate that approximately 292 votes may be needed for her removal, requiring support from both Democrats and Republicans.

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Local Democratic leaders have expressed their views on the situation. Kristen Browde, President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, emphasized that corruption should not be tolerated regardless of party affiliation. Meanwhile, Alfredo Olvera, President of the Dolphin Democrats, called for a thorough and fair process, underscoring the importance of accountability in government.

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Challenger Elijah Manley, who is running against Cherfilus-McCormick in the primary, stated that her guilty findings necessitate her immediate resignation. He indicated that he would run a concurrent campaign if a special election were called.

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While there is a strong push for both Gonzales and Cherfilus-McCormick to resign, the outcomes remain uncertain. Cherfilus-McCormick's district has historically shown resilience to scandal, as evidenced by the case of former Congressman Alcee Hastings, who was impeached but later re-elected. The upcoming House vote on her expulsion will be a critical moment in determining her political future.

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• “NO means NO. I’d vote to expel both him and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. Both need to go,” — Anna Paulina Luna, U.S. Representative

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• “At this juncture, the congresswoman was found guilty by a bipartisan committee of her peers in the House of serious misconduct and must resign from Congress immediately.” — Elijah Manley, Challenger

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• “It doesn’t matter what party you’re in. If you’re engaged in corruption, you don’t belong in any government position. But that applies equally to Republicans, and Trump just pardons them.” — Kristen Browde, President of the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus

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• “I look forward to proving my innocence.” — Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, U.S. Representative

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