Did Resurrection’s Adam Hamilton Break Federal Law?

Pastor Adam Hamilton may have violated federal election law, according to an ethics complaint filed by Kansas Republicans who allege the prominent megachurch leader improperly used church resources while exploring a run for the U.S. Senate.

Hamilton, the progressive senior pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, announced earlier this year that he is exploring a potential campaign for the U.S. Senate from Kansas. Now, the Kansas Republican Party has filed a federal ethics complaint claiming he “blatantly used the corporate resources of the church” to publicize his announcement.

The complaint, filed with the Federal Election Commission, asks regulators to investigate whether the church’s communications amounted to an in-kind contribution under federal law, according to in-depth reporting by the Kansas Reflector, which first reported the filing. Churches and other tax-exempt organizations are barred from directly supporting or opposing political candidates, even under new guidelines issued by the Trump administration.

‘Illegally used in-kind contributions”

Hamilton “has illegally used in-kind contributions from a church to advance his political ambitions,” state party chair Danedri Herbert said in a statement posted on X and provided to media, according to the Kansas Reflector. “This is not speculation. It is a clear violation of federal law.”

Eight Democrats and one Republican have filed for the seat held by incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall. Hamilton, if he decides to run, would be the first independent in the race. Marshall has outraised all of his opponents combined, according to the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Kansas has not elected an independent to the U.S. Senate in modern history, according to state election records. Hamilton’s statewide recognition could reshape the race early.

Hamilton’s campaign chose to attack current Senator Roger Marshall in its response to the allegations. “Roger Marshall would rather attack people of faith – and the largest church in Kansas – than defend his record as a failed politician, because he knows Kansans are tired of politicians like him who aren’t listening and keep making things worse in Washington,” a Hamilton spokesperson said in a statement to the Kansas Reflector.

Hamilton released a video on February 27 to the church’s 18,500 YouTube subscribers, explaining his potential desire to run for U.S. Senate as intrinsic to his faith. He outlined his plan to consult with Kansans. He acknowledged his lack of political experience and expressed appreciation for both the Democratic and Republican parties and liberal and conservative ideals. The same day, he wrote in his weekly newsletter to parishioners, “I am not a candidate, nor am I announcing a candidacy. But only strongly considering this.”

The Kansas Reflector also reports the video, which also was embedded on the church’s official website, contained church branding. The website also features a frequently asked questions section and a letter from the chair of an internal parish relations committee, assuring the congregation that the church “will stay true to our values,” regardless of Hamilton’s decision.

The website said church data, facilities, technology and communication wouldn’t be used for the campaign and that church staff would not work on the campaign during work hours.

Herbert said Hamilton ignored the firewalls he and the church purported to put in place to separate his political aspirations from church business. “No one – regardless of their title, church size or political aspirations – gets a free pass,” she said. “This complaint is about accountability, transparency and protecting the public trust.”

The Federal Election Commission generally allows potential candidates to explore a run but prohibits the use of organizational resources once activity crosses into campaign advocacy, according to federal guidance. The case could hinge on whether Hamilton’s actions are deemed exploratory or whether they crossed into campaign activity using church resources.

Since his announcement, Hamilton has been conducting listening sessions in cities across the state, a step often taken by prospective candidates testing viability before formally entering a race.

–Alan Goforth