Oklahoma pastor drops out of runoff for Hern’s House seat after Trump withdraws endorsement
Oklahoma Pastor Withdraws From Runoff Race Following Texting Scandal
Oklahoma pastor drops out of runoff - Jackson Lahmeyer, a prominent Tulsa-based pastor who had received backing from former President Donald Trump, has officially withdrawn from the Republican primary runoff contest for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District. His decision follows a series of intimate text messages shared with Caitlin Key, a non-spouse individual, which surfaced in a media report and raised questions about his conduct. The scandal has significantly impacted his campaign, leading to a shift in support from the former president.
Statement of Withdrawal
Lahmeyer announced his campaign suspension in a Wednesday statement, stating that after consulting with his wife, Kendra, and his team, he decided to step down from the race. “I do not want to be a distraction to my family, my church, and the great people of Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, who deserve a strong conservative voice representing them in Washington,” he continued, emphasizing his commitment to his loved ones over political ambition.
“After prayerful consideration with my wife, Kendra, and my team over the last twenty four hours, I’ve made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Congress,” Lahmeyer said in a statement Wednesday.
The pastor’s exit came shortly after Trump rescinded his endorsement and instead supported Lahmeyer’s opponent, state Representative Mark Tedford (R). This move by the former president occurred the day after both candidates advanced to the August 25 runoff for the seat currently held by Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.). Trump’s endorsement shift appears to have accelerated Lahmeyer’s decision, though the candidate insisted it was not the sole reason.
“I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer’s hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him,” the president wrote Wednesday on Truth Social. “But, when it comes to the current Congressional race for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford.”
Lahmeyer clarified that his withdrawal from the race was not a direct result of Trump’s endorsement change, emphasizing that he chose to prioritize his family over his political ambitions. “I made my decision to drop out of the race last night. I decided to choose my wife over my ambition,” he said. “I informed my wife about my decision late last night and then my campaign team early this morning. My decision did not take place because of the decision of POTUS this afternoon.”
The Texting Scandal
The controversy erupted when the Daily Mail published intimate text messages exchanged between Lahmeyer and Caitlin Key, who is not his wife. The messages, which were shared between the two individuals, included Lahmeyer referring to Key as “cute” and inviting her to his hotel room. Key, a former Miss Oklahoma USA 2007, reportedly worked as a fundraiser for Lahmeyer’s congressional campaign and confirmed to the newspaper that the two met in 2022.
Lahmeyer acknowledged the reporting and admitted to “crossing a boundary line through text messaging” in a post on Facebook. He stated that he had ended all communication with Key, but argued that the messages were “carefully cherry-picked to create an impression that is not accurate.” The pastor’s campaign had been seen as a strong contender within the MAGA movement, but the scandal has now weakened his position.
Political Implications
Lahmeyer’s exit leaves Mark Tedford as the sole Republican nominee for the district, placing him in a favorable position to secure the general election victory. Trump’s endorsement of Tedford has bolstered his campaign, especially considering the former president’s dominant performance in the 1st Congressional District during the 2024 election, where he won by 21 percentage points. The district is currently rated as a solid red seat by the Cook Political Report, indicating a historically Republican-leaning constituency.
Tedford’s campaign has already gained momentum, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and other House GOP leaders endorsing him. In a joint statement released shortly after Trump’s endorsement, Johnson highlighted Tedford’s potential to advance conservative priorities. “Tedford will help us continue to deliver safe streets, secure borders, a strong economy, and peace through strength,” the statement read, signaling strong backing from key party figures.
Background on Lahmeyer’s Campaign
Lahmeyer, who leads a church in Tulsa, had been a key ally of Trump’s 2024 campaign, particularly in mobilizing evangelical voters. His support for the president’s claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election further solidified his ties to the MAGA movement. However, the recent scandal has disrupted his campaign’s narrative, forcing him to address personal conduct alongside his political platform.
The incident has also raised questions about the influence of personal relationships in political races. Lahmeyer’s church, which has hosted the Trump sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, was seen as a hub for MAGA-aligned messaging. His withdrawal underscores the challenges faced by candidates with deep connections to the movement, as scrutiny over their personal lives can quickly impact their public image.
Impact on the Race
The removal of Lahmeyer from the race has shifted the dynamics of the August 25 runoff. With the former president’s endorsement of Tedford, the opponent is now positioned as the clear favorite to represent the district in the general election. This development highlights the strategic importance of Trump’s influence in closely contested races, even in states traditionally aligned with the Republican Party.
Tedford, a state representative known for his conservative stance, has previously supported Trump’s policies and is expected to continue that alignment in Congress. His campaign now benefits from both the former president’s endorsement and the absence of a major rival, potentially strengthening his chances in a district where Republican voters are highly motivated.
Lahmeyer’s decision to withdraw from the race reflects the high stakes of political campaigns, where personal conduct can overshadow policy positions. While he had been a vocal advocate for conservative values, the scandal has exposed vulnerabilities in his campaign. The pastor’s focus on family, as he stated, may also signal a broader trend among candidates to balance public expectations with private life in the face of mounting pressure.
Future of the District
Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, anchored in Tulsa, remains a critical stronghold for the Republican Party. With Kevin Hern currently holding the seat, the race to succeed him has attracted significant attention from both parties. However, the narrow margin between Lahmeyer and Tedford in the primary suggests a closely contested battle that will now hinge on the general election.
Tedford’s campaign is likely to leverage Trump’s endorsement to reinforce his image as a reliable conservative leader. The district’s strong Republican base, combined with Trump’s influence, makes it a key area for maintaining party control. Lahmeyer’s exit, while unexpected, has created an opportunity for Tedford to consolidate support and position himself as the natural choice for the Republican nomination.
As the race moves forward, the focus will shift to Tedford’s ability to maintain momentum and address the concerns raised by Lahmeyer’s withdrawal. The incident also serves as a reminder of the personal