Joseph is a U.S. Army combat veteran and a Purple Heart recipient who has a doctorate in Diplomacy and International Relations.
Democratic candidate Elijah Manley provided WPBF 25 News with the following statement on Cherfilus-McCormick:
“Yesterday’s indictment is a sad moment for the people of Florida’s 20th Congressional District. I am disappointed in the Congresswoman for abusing the power she was given and instead used it to enrich herself and her family. The people of FL-20 are ready to move past this era of fraud, corruption, and distractions. We have families in this district working two and three jobs, trying to make rent, trying to take care of their kids. They cannot afford to be represented by someone facing serious federal charges. They deserve accountability and someone who shows up for them every single day.”
Gary Stein is also a Republican candidate for District 20.
“Well, my first reaction was, it’s about time,” Stein said to WPBF 25 News on Thursday. “And my reaction a little later was something looks a little fishy because the way I understand the scandal around her is she has an agreement to pay the money back with Florida.”
Stein ran as the GOP candidate for District 20 in 2016 against then Rep. Alcee Hastings, a Democrat.
Stein lost to Hastings in the general election.
After Hastings died in April 2021, Cherfilus-McCormick won the 2022 special election to replace Hastings.
Although Joseph, Manley and Stein are all registered as candidates for the District 20 seat in the 2026 election, as of Thursday, Cherfilus-McCormick has not filed with the state of Florida her intentions to run for re-election.
Cherfilus-McCormick has maintained her innocence to the charges.
District 20 includes portions of Palm Beach and Broward counties.
