Key facts
- Legacy Church in New Mexico has endorsed Republican candidates Greg Cunningham and Gregg Hull.
- Pastor Steve Smothermon urged his congregation to vote for Cunningham and Hull, citing biblical values.
- The endorsements violate federal law prohibiting tax-exempt nonprofits from endorsing political candidates.
- The Trump administration has challenged the ban on political endorsements by churches.
- Cunningham is running against Democratic Representative Gabriel Vasquez in a competitive race.
- Smothermon has a history of endorsing political candidates.
Legacy Church in New Mexico has endorsed two Republican candidates, Greg Cunningham for Congress and Gregg Hull for governor, in violation of federal law that prohibits tax-exempt nonprofits from endorsing political candidates. Pastor Steve Smothermon encouraged his congregation to support Cunningham, who is challenging Democratic Representative Gabriel Vasquez, and Hull, citing biblical values and a desire to "flip this seat" and elect a governor who will "stand for God."
Recent polling shows Cunningham trailing Vasquez by a narrow margin. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Steve Scalise have campaigned for Cunningham, and Donald Trump has also endorsed him. Smothermon has a history of political endorsements, drawing criticism and complaints to the IRS over the years.
The Trump administration has sought to challenge the ban on political endorsements by churches, with the IRS issuing a proposal that was blocked by a court. The administration has appealed this ruling. Researchers note that a significant percentage of churches have engaged in direct political advocacy.