Legacy Church Pastor Endorses Local Candidates
Pastor Steve Smotherman has publicly backed Gregg Hull and Greg Cunningham for office ahead of the general election.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Christianity
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Legacy Church pastor Steve Smotherman recently endorsed Republican candidates Gregg Hull for governor and Greg Cunningham for Congress. The endorsements were shared with the congregation and through social media posts.
Why it matters
The endorsements reflect a growing intersection of faith-based leadership and local electoral politics in Albuquerque. Congregants are being encouraged to prioritize specific values when casting their ballots in the upcoming general election.
Legacy Church operates nine distinct locations across the region. Greg Cunningham has been a member of the church for 14 years.
The players
Steve Smotherman
He is the pastor of Legacy Church who has actively engaged in endorsing political candidates in Albuquerque.
Gregg Hull
He is a Republican candidate for governor and a Sunday school teacher.
Greg Cunningham
He is a Republican candidate for Congress and a 14-year member of Legacy Church.
The details
Pastor Steve Smotherman utilized sermons and social media to voice his support for Gregg Hull, who serves as a Sunday school teacher, and Greg Cunningham, a longtime member of the church. Smotherman has previously participated in local political discourse, having made notable comments regarding state officials during the 2022 election cycle.
Timeline
In 2022, Smotherman endorsed candidates and commented on Governor Lujan Grisham.
On October 4, 2026, Smotherman urged congregants to vote for Greg Cunningham.
On October 6, 2026, Smotherman shared an endorsement for Gregg Hull on X.
The 2026 general elections are scheduled to take place next week.
Culture Shift
This activity follows a pattern set by the 2022 New Mexico gubernatorial election where faith leaders took prominent stances on candidates. It marks a continuation of religious institutions playing an explicit role in regional political mobilization.
Residents may see increased political messaging and advocacy within their religious communities as the general election approaches. This trend requires voters to distinguish between organizational endorsements and their own personal priorities at the ballot box.
The takeaway
Voters are encouraged to evaluate candidate platforms independently of religious endorsements to ensure their choices align with personal values. Researching candidate records and policy stances remains the most effective way to prepare for the upcoming polls.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of faith and public life in the Christianity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Mexico Political Report.
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Should religious organizations lose their tax-exempt status if they endorse political candidates?
