Full Breakdown
Greg Cunningham’s Congressional Bid Linked to Legacy Church’s Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Abortion Doctrine
5/4/2026, 9:37:45 PM
Campaign Foundations: Legacy Church Influence
Republican candidate Greg Cunningham’s 2024 campaign for New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District is anchored in the teachings of Legacy Church, an Albuquerque megachurch led by Pastor Steve Smothermon. The church’s doctrine declares gender “fixed,” marriage “exclusively between a man and a woman,” and the Bible “the final authority” on conduct. Its public messaging repeatedly condemns LGBTQ+ identities and labels abortion “murder.” Cunningham has publicly credited Smothermon for encouraging his entry into politics and has framed advancing the national Republican agenda as his “number one priority.”
Key Figures and Organizations
- Greg Cunningham – Republican congressional candidate, endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
- Steve Smothermon – Pastor of Legacy Church, author of the blog post “Pride Leads to Destruction” and of statements opposing same-sex marriage.
- Legacy Church – Albuquerque-based megachurch promoting anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion positions.
- Gabe Vasquez – Incumbent Democratic representative seeking reelection, emphasizing food security, LGBTQ+ rights, and education.
- Abortion Free New Mexico – Advocacy group whose pledge Cunningham signed to end all abortions and assisted suicides in the state.
Historical and Legal Context in New Mexico
New Mexico law protects LGBTQ+ rights, including a 2013 state Supreme Court decision that struck down bans on same-sex marriage. Abortion rights have been a decisive issue in recent elections, with state statutes safeguarding access. The legacy of narrow, high-stakes races in the 2nd District underscores the potential impact of any shift in policy orientation.
Data & Political Landscape
The 2nd District covers much of southern New Mexico and has emerged as one of the state’s most competitive seats. While the district has shown a willingness to split tickets, New Mexico overall leans Democratic. A recent poll reported former President Trump’s approval rating in the state at a record low, according to the New Mexico Political Report.
Why It Matters: Policy Implications
If elected, Cunningham’s alignment with Legacy Church’s doctrine could influence legislative priorities on LGBTQ+ protections and abortion regulation. His pledge to end all abortions and assisted suicides signals a potential push for stricter state-level restrictions, contrasting with existing state law.
Official Statements & Responses
- The New Mexico Political Report noted Trump’s historically low approval rating in the state.
- Legacy Church’s public materials, including the “Pride Leads to Destruction” blog post and the “ABORTION IS MURDER!” sermon label, articulate its doctrinal stance.
- Cunningham’s campaign declined to comment when approached for comment.
- The Abortion Free New Mexico pledge, signed by Cunningham, commits to ending all abortions and assisted suicides in New Mexico.
Criticism & Opposition
Observers have highlighted Legacy Church’s comparison of abortion to the Holocaust and its promotion of QAnon-related conspiracy theories, raising concerns about extremist rhetoric. Critics argue that such positions conflict with New Mexico’s established legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and could polarize the electorate in a district known for close contests.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Pride Leads to Destruction,” — Steve Smothermon, Legacy Church blog post
- “the word of God clearly condemns homosexual behavior.” — Steve Smothermon, 2022 message
- “ABORTION IS MURDER!” — Legacy Church sermon clip label
What’s Next
The general election is slated for November 2024, with Cunningham expected to face incumbent Gabe Vasquez. Both campaigns are intensifying outreach as the district’s competitive dynamics draw national attention.
