Key Takeaways

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is the first Haitian American Democrat elected to Congress, representing a diverse South Florida district.

Before her election, she was the CEO of a home healthcare company, Trinity Health Care Services, giving her deep expertise in healthcare policy.

She demonstrated significant political persistence, running multiple times before winning a crowded special election primary in 2021 by just five votes.

She serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where her healthcare background is a significant asset.

"From a CEO in the healthcare trenches to a historic voice in Congress, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's journey is a powerful story of persistence and community-focused advocacy."

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick: A Healthcare Leader's Persistent Path to Congress

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s path to Washington was not a straight line, but one defined by unwavering persistence and a deep connection to the healthcare needs of her community. As the first Haitian American Democrat to serve in Congress, she brings a vital and historic perspective to the House of Representatives, informed by her long career as a healthcare executive.

Born in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrant parents and raised in Queens, Cherfilus-McCormick later moved to Florida to attend college. After earning her law degree, she spent two decades working in the healthcare industry. She eventually became the CEO of Trinity Health Care Services, a company that provides in-home care for families. This long career gave her a ground-level view of the immense challenges within the American healthcare system, from navigating insurance and Medicare to ensuring quality care for patients.

This experience fueled her desire to run for office. She challenged the longtime incumbent in her district multiple times, demonstrating a remarkable tenacity. When the seat became vacant, she entered a crowded special primary election in 2021. After a recount, she emerged victorious by a razor-thin margin of just five votes. She went on to easily win the general election in early 2022, officially making her mark on history.

In Congress, Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick has put her professional background to immediate use. She serves on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, where her expertise in healthcare administration is directly applicable to improving the VA system. She also serves on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, where she is a key voice on Caribbean policy, particularly relating to Haiti. She remains a passionate advocate for expanding healthcare access, lowering costs, and addressing the specific economic and social needs of her diverse South Florida district.

Sources Used Official Biography: https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/about

Ballotpedia Profile: https://ballotpedia.org/Sheila_Cherfilus-McCormick

GovTrack.us Legislative Record: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/sheila_cherfilus-mccormick/456860

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