New Mexico Megachurch Endorses Republicans, Testing Federal Ban 2026

A New Mexico megachurch has endorsed two Republican candidates in this year's midterms, directly challenging the federal ban on tax-exempt nonprofits engaging in political campaigns. The move by Legacy Church, a nondenominational congregation with nine locations across the state, comes as the Trump administration fights that ban in federal court.

Pastor Steve Smothermon told his congregation in mid-August that one candidate, Greg Cunningham, "has faithfully served our church for 14 years and shares our biblical values." Smothermon urged members to "pray for him, support his campaign, get registered, and vote to flip this seat." Cunningham is running to unseat Democratic Representative Gabriel Vasquez in one of New Mexico's few competitive races.

Why the Legacy Church Endorsement Matters

The endorsement is a direct test of the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that prohibits 501(c)(3) organizations—including churches—from endorsing or opposing political candidates. Violating the ban can jeopardize a church's tax-exempt status. However, the Trump administration has been challenging the ban in federal court, arguing it infringes on religious freedom.

Legacy Church's action is not an isolated incident. It signals a growing willingness among some conservative congregations to openly back candidates, betting that the legal landscape may shift in their favor. The church's leadership appears to be testing enforcement boundaries while the administration pushes for change.

The Candidates and the Race

Greg Cunningham, a Republican, is challenging incumbent Democrat Gabriel Vasquez. Recent polling shows Vasquez leading with 48% to Cunningham's 44%. In 2024, Vasquez was one of 13 Democrats nationwide who won a House race in a district that voted for Donald Trump, making him a top target for Republicans.

Republican congressional leaders have taken notice. House Speaker Mike Johnson has campaigned for Cunningham twice, and Senate Majority Leader Steve Scalise recently stumped in southern New Mexico. Their visits underscore the national stakes: Republicans are defending narrow majorities and see this seat as flippable.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy Church endorsed Greg Cunningham and another Republican candidate, violating the Johnson Amendment.
• The Trump administration is challenging the federal ban on church endorsements in court.
• Cunningham is in a tight race against Democratic Rep. Gabriel Vasquez, who leads 48% to 44%.
• Republican leaders Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise have campaigned for Cunningham.
• The outcome could set a precedent for church political activity nationwide.

What the Johnson Amendment Says

The Johnson Amendment, named after then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson, was enacted in 1954 to prevent tax-exempt entities from intervening in political campaigns. It applies to all 501(c)(3) organizations, including churches, charities, and educational institutions. The IRS enforces the ban, though enforcement has been inconsistent. Context on how this played out before sits in New Mexico Megachurch Endorses Republicans, Testing Federal Ban.

Under the Trump administration, the IRS has been directed to exercise "maximum discretion" in enforcing the amendment. Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit challenging the ban is working its way through the courts, potentially setting up a Supreme Court showdown. The background to this story is set out in Trump Endorses Darline Graham for Senate After Brother's Death. A related thread runs through Smart Glasses Creepy? Why Kylie Jenner Endorses Them.

Comparing Church Endorsement Rules

Who Is Affected and What to Watch

This issue affects not just Legacy Church but congregations nationwide. If the courts strike down the Johnson Amendment or the administration refuses to enforce it, churches could become more overtly political. That could reshape campaign finance and the role of religion in public life. Earlier coverage in Smart Glasses Privacy Risks: Why Kylie Jenner Endorses Creepy Tec shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Trump Endorses Mike Lindell for Minnesota Governor Race.

For now, watch the federal lawsuit and IRS actions. Also watch the Vasquez-Cunningham race: a Cunningham win would embolden other churches to follow Legacy's lead. The outcome in New Mexico could resonate far beyond the state's borders. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Trump Endorses Darline Graham for Full Senate Term in South Carol. The same theme surfaces in Australia: latest articles, which takes a different angle.

FAQ

As the midterms approach, the intersection of faith and politics will be closely watched. For more on how political candidates are navigating these issues, see our coverage of One Nation naming Victorian election candidates and barring ABC. The debate over church endorsements is part of a broader global conversation about the role of religious organizations in electoral politics.

Legal experts suggest that if the Johnson Amendment is struck down, churches could become major political players. That prospect has mobilized both supporters and opponents. For a related perspective on how parties handle candidate controversies, read about One Nation naming Victorian candidates as Hanson bars ABC.

Ultimately, the New Mexico megachurch's endorsement is more than a local story—it's a test case for the future of church political activism. The outcome will likely influence how congregations across the country approach elections. Keep an eye on the courts and the ballot box.