Jackson Lahmeyer, a Christian nationalist and founder of Pastors for Trump, announced on Wednesday that he is suspending his campaign for Congress. The decision comes after reports emerged that he sent intimate text messages to a former campaign fundraiser who was not his wife.
Campaign Suspension Announcement
In a statement, Lahmeyer said: "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. 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."
Lahmeyer expressed gratitude for the support he received, stating: "I sincerely appreciate all the support along the way. I will never forget those who stood by me and fought alongside us when I needed them the most."
Runoff Election Context
Lahmeyer's announcement came one day after he and fellow Republican Mark Tedford advanced to a runoff election in their party primary. The winner would replace Kevin Hern, who vacated his House seat to run for the US Senate. With Lahmeyer's withdrawal, Tedford becomes the presumptive Republican nominee.
Scandal Details
The decision followed a report by the Daily Mail over the weekend that Lahmeyer had sent intimate text messages to a former campaign fundraiser who had previously won the Miss Oklahoma USA beauty pageant.
In a social media post on Sunday, Lahmeyer described the report as "distorted" but acknowledged sending the messages. He wrote: "This matter was already dealt with privately between me and my wife, Kendra, through counsel and prayer with God and spiritual advisors. I own crossing a boundary line through text messaging. I also ended all communication. The British tabloid tried to paint me out in a way which is not the case."
Trump Endorsement Shift
Former President Donald Trump had endorsed Lahmeyer in early May. However, minutes before Lahmeyer announced his campaign suspension, Trump shifted his endorsement to Tedford. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: "I appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer's hard work under difficult circumstances, and he has always been with me, and I will always be with him. But when it comes to the current race for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford."
Broader Political Context
Lahmeyer's suspension comes about two months after Representatives Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned amid bipartisan uproar over sexual misconduct allegations. Swalwell also withdrew from California's gubernatorial race, while Gonzales admitted to an affair with an aide who later died by suicide.
Additionally, Graham Platner recently clinched the Democratic nomination for the US Senate in Maine despite an extramarital sexting scandal and other controversies.
