Sheila Cherfilus-Mccormick — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Florida, 2026

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick opposes recent immigration policies, citing their negative economic impact and the critical role of immigrant labor, particularly in Florida's economy. She advocates for strategic, workforce-driven reforms, including merit-based pathways and continued Temporary Protected Status provisions. She emphasizes that policies restricting green-card holders, banning asylum seekers, and cutting worker visas have serious economic consequences for businesses and communities, calling for compassion in policy and focusing enforcement on serious criminal activity rather than workers.

“These actions are spreading fear through our communities, disrupting local businesses, and harming South Florida’s economy, which relies on immigrant labor in industries like landscaping, construction, agriculture, and hospitality. When workers are afraid to show up, projects stall, small businesses suffer, and costs rise for everyone. Our immigration policies must be guided by common sense and compassion. Enforcement should focus on serious criminal activity, not on workers trying to earn an honest living. I will continue to work with my colleagues from both sides to call for transparency, accountability, and real immigration reform that strengthens public safety while respecting families who are vital to our communities and our economy." — Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Statement on ICE Enforcement in South Florida, December 17, 2025.”

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick voted against a government funding bill, citing its failure to address rising healthcare costs and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits for her constituents. She has invested 20 years in building healthcare services and lobbying for reform, emphasizing her commitment to fighting for an affordable healthcare system for everyone.

“"And after all that suffering and sacrifice, this bill still fails to deliver what our families desperately need: relief from crushing healthcare costs. It does nothing to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits or make health insurance more affordable for the people I represent in South Florida." - Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, press release, November 12, 2025”

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has consistently voted against bills that would weaken environmental protections, such as the Reliable Power Act and efforts to defund clean energy programs. She supported climate investment initiatives, including the Transformational Climate Investments from the Inflation Reduction Act, and received high scores from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), including 100% in 2022 and 2025. She also advocates for the Green New Deal, stating that the environment must be protected for future generations to ensure clean water and air.

“The Green New Deal must get a vote in Congress. Our environment must be protected for the future of our children and the next generation. Bold steps must be taken to ensure that we have clean water and breath clean air. Climate Change is real! We must combat its adverse effects on our precious natural resources at all cost. (Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Ballotpedia)”

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick supports abortion rights and reproductive rights. She endorsed and voted in favor of Florida Amendment 4 (2024), which sought to prohibit laws restricting abortion before fetal viability or when necessary for patient health. She also opposed the discharge petition for the Born-Alive Act and has called for the repeal of the Hyde Amendment, stating that women have been discriminated against regarding reproductive rights and the GOP should not dictate choices about women's bodies.

“We must repeal the Hyde Amendment. For too long women have been discriminated against when it comes to reproductive rights. Our Democrat majority must go back and undo the bad bills passed by Republican’s when they held our nation hostage. The GOP must stop telling women what to do with their own bodies! - Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, as quoted on Ballotpedia.”

Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick supported the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Act and the reauthorization of the Haiti HOPE/HELP trade preference program. She also supported the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which advances U.S. engagement and accountability in Haiti. Her foreign policy stance emphasizes shared values of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, as expressed regarding Cameroon.

“I commend the people of Cameroon for their continued commitment to democracy, as shown by their participation in the recent presidential election. The U.S. partnership with Cameroon is rooted in shared values of democratic governance, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. - Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, http://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/issues/foreign-affairs”

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick supports legislation to close the achievement gap and ensure all students receive a quality education. She opposes abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, stating it would cause larger class sizes, fewer resources, and diminished opportunities. This, she argues, would disproportionately harm students with disabilities and those from lower-income families, leaving them unprepared for the workforce.

“"Abolishing the U.S. Department of Education would devastate students across Florida and the nation. It means larger class sizes, fewer resources, and diminished opportunities that disproportionately harm students with disabilities and those from lower-income families — leaving them less prepared for the workforce." — Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, on her official website”

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick supports gun control measures. She co-led the introduction of the ARMAS Act to curb U.S. firearms trafficking, citing the need for stronger oversight to stop guns from reaching criminals. She also voted against H.R. 2189, which aimed to modernize federal firearms laws. Additionally, she supports the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Protecting Our Kids Act.

““Weapons trafficking by way of the United States is a major contributor to Haiti’s growing gang crisis and the current instability that plagues the country,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Co-Chair of the Haiti Caucus. “The implementation of stronger transparency, accountability, and oversight mechanisms for U.S. arms exports would address this regional issue and stop guns from getting into the hands of dangerous criminals.””