An Oklahoma megachurch pastor and political figure backed at times by President Donald Trump has withdrawn from a Republican congressional runoff after reports surfaced alleging he exchanged inappropriate text messages with a woman connected to his campaign.
Jackson Lahmeyer, founder of the group Pastors for Trump and a candidate for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, announced Wednesday that he was suspending his campaign, citing the need to avoid becoming a “distraction” to his family, church, and supporters.
Withdrawal Follows Primary Advancement
Lahmeyer had recently advanced to an August GOP runoff election but stepped aside just days later. In his statement, he said the decision came after discussions with his wife and campaign team.
He did not directly address the allegations in detail but acknowledged “crossing a boundary” in prior public comments that were later removed from social media.
Reports of Inappropriate Messages Trigger Political Fallout
The withdrawal followed media reports alleging that Lahmeyer sent thousands of romantic text messages to a woman associated with his campaign fundraising efforts. The reports prompted political scrutiny and immediate fallout within Republican circles.
Lahmeyer’s campaign did not provide further clarification on the allegations or whether any discussions took place with national political figures before his exit.
Trump Endorsement Shifted After Reports Emerged
Lahmeyer had previously received support from Trump, who praised him for his conservative activism and his role in founding Pastors for Trump, a faith-based political organization that backed Trump’s 2024 campaign.
However, shortly after the reports surfaced, Trump shifted his endorsement to Lahmeyer’s opponent, Oklahoma state representative Mark Tedford, calling him “Pro Trump and MAGA all the way.”
Political and Religious Ties Draw Attention
Lahmeyer’s political profile has been closely tied to his religious leadership at a Tulsa-area church and his involvement in conservative evangelical political networks.
His campaign had also been associated with high-profile conservative figures, including former Trump administration adviser Michael Flynn, reflecting his broader connections within the pro-Trump political movement.
Campaign Ends Amid Scrutiny
With Lahmeyer’s exit, the GOP runoff in Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District will proceed without him, reshaping the race in the final stretch before the August election.
The development adds to a growing list of political candidates facing personal conduct controversies during election cycles, underscoring how quickly campaign dynamics can shift in response to media revelations.