Megachurch Pastor Admits Breaking Law by Urging Church to Vote Republican

Jack Hibbs, a pastor at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California, acknowledged that he violated state law by endorsing Republican Senate candidate Steve Garvey during a sermon. The megachurch, which regularly draws over 10,000 attendees, gained attention when a video of Hibbs’ remarks surfaced online, prompting criticism on social media. Hibbs emphasized the need for a “pro-life” candidate in the upcoming Senate primary on March 5, but later admitted, “I just remembered, it’s against the law for me to say that in the pulpit.”

Hibbs clarified that his endorsement was a personal political stance, not an official church position. He stated that as a citizen, he supports candidates who align with his values, but he recognized the legal boundaries that separate religious and political advocacy. The incident has sparked discussions about the role of churches in political matters and the legal implications of such involvement.

The controversy arose after a video of Hibbs’ remarks was shared by Right Wing Watch, a conservative media outlet. The video, which shows Hibbs urging his congregation to support Garvey, led to public debate about the responsibilities of religious institutions. Some critics argued that politically active churches should forfeit their tax-exempt status, while others defended the right of pastors to express personal political views.

Steve Garvey, a former baseball star and Republican candidate, faces a challenging race in California’s “jungle primary” system. Under this format, all candidates—regardless of party affiliation—compete on the same ballot, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election. Garvey, running as a Republican, must navigate a system where Democrats currently dominate, making it difficult to secure a spot against favored Democrat Representative Adam Schiff.

The Senate primary is seen as less competitive due to California’s strong Democratic leanings. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden received over 63% of the vote in the state, highlighting the political landscape in which Garvey is seeking to make an impact. Despite these challenges, Garvey remains a prominent Republican candidate in a state known for its progressive policies.

The incident raises broader questions about the intersection of faith and politics, particularly for megachurches with significant influence. As religious leaders navigate legal and ethical considerations, the balance between advocacy and neutrality remains a subject of ongoing discussion.

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