Trump-supporting Pastor Exits House Race Amid Texting Controversy
WHO:
CNN - Jackson Lahmeyer, founder of Pastors for Trump
CNN - Kendra Lahmeyer, Jackson's wife
CNN - Mark Tedford, state lawmaker and Lahmeyer's runoff opponent
CNN - President Donald Trump
WHAT:
CNN - Jackson Lahmeyer announced he was ending his bid for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, stating, “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.”
NBC News - Lahmeyer’s exit from the race occurred one day after he was projected to advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination.
Fox News - Trump’s endorsement of Mark Tedford was described as a "dramatic 2026 midterm reversal."
CNN - Lahmeyer stated, “This matter was already dealt with privately between me and my wife, Kendra, through counsel and prayer with God and spiritual advisors.”
CNN - Lahmeyer’s exit from the race leaves an open path to the nomination for Tedford as he vies to succeed GOP Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for Senate.
CNN - Lahmeyer stated, “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.”
CNN - Lahmeyer acknowledged inappropriate behavior, stating, “I own crossing a boundary line through text messaging. I also ended all communication.”
CNN - Trump expressed gratitude for Lahmeyer’s efforts, saying, “I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer’s hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him.”
CBS News Politics - President Trump dropped his endorsement of Jackson Lahmeyer shortly before Lahmeyer announced his exit from the race.
NBC News - Lahmeyer dropped out of the race after President Trump withdrew his endorsement and backed his opponent, Mark Tedford.
CNN - Jackson Lahmeyer announced he was ending his bid for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District.
CNN - Lahmeyer suspended his campaign one day after being projected to advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination.
CNN - Lahmeyer acknowledged inappropriate behavior related to sending romantic text messages to a woman who is not his wife.
CNN - Trump announced he would support Mark Tedford instead of Lahmeyer for the Congressional race.
WHERE:
CNN - Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District
CNN - Sheridan Church in Tulsa, where Lahmeyer is the lead pastor
WHEN:
CNN - Lahmeyer’s exit from the race occurred one day after the primary election.
CNN - Trump endorsed Lahmeyer in May.
WHY:
NY Post - Lahmeyer stated he did not want to be a “distraction” amid questions about the nature of his relationship with a former staffer.
CNN - Lahmeyer expressed that he did not want to be a distraction to his family, church, and constituents.
CNN - Lahmeyer criticized the Daily Mail report, claiming, “The British Tabloid tried to paint me out in a way which is not the case.”
CNN - Trump stated he would support Mark Tedford, calling him an "America First Patriot," after thanking Lahmeyer for his "hard work under difficult circumstances."
CNN - Lahmeyer stated he did not want to be a distraction to his family, church, and constituents.
CNN - Lahmeyer criticized the timing of the Daily Mail report about his texting scandal.
HOW:
CNN - Lahmeyer acknowledged inappropriate behavior related to sending romantic text messages to a woman who is not his wife.
CNN - Lahmeyer made the decision to suspend his campaign after "prayerful consideration" with his wife and team.
(UPDATED June 18, 2026 06:36 UTC)
Jackson Lahmeyer has announced he is suspending his campaign for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, citing a desire not to be a "distraction" amid concerns about his relationship with a former staffer. This decision comes just one day after he was projected to advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination, and it follows his acknowledgment of inappropriate behavior involving romantic text messages to a woman who is not his wife. Meanwhile, Trump’s endorsement of Mark Tedford has been characterized as a "dramatic 2026 midterm reversal."
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 04:19 UTC)
Lahmeyer has announced his exit from the race, stating that he has already addressed personal matters privately with his wife, Kendra, through counsel and prayer. His departure clears the way for Tedford, who is now positioned to succeed GOP Rep. Kevin Hern as he runs for Senate. Lahmeyer emphasized that he did not want to be a distraction to his family, church, and constituents.
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(UPDATED June 18, 2026 01:46 UTC)
Jackson Lahmeyer announced that he does not want to be a distraction to his family, church, or the people of Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, emphasizing their need for strong conservative representation in Washington. He acknowledged crossing a boundary through text messaging and stated that he has ended all communication regarding the matter. President Trump expressed his gratitude for Lahmeyer’s hard work, affirming their strong relationship and support for one another despite the challenges faced.
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(UPDATED June 17, 2026 23:24 UTC)
President Trump has officially withdrawn his endorsement of Jackson Lahmeyer, which came just before Lahmeyer announced his exit from the race. Following this decision, Trump expressed his support for Mark Tedford, referring to him as an "America First Patriot," while also thanking Lahmeyer for his "hard work under difficult circumstances." This shift in support marks a significant change in the dynamics of the race.
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(UPDATED June 17, 2026 21:42 UTC)
Jackson Lahmeyer has announced that he is ending his bid for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, just one day after being projected to advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination. The decision comes after Lahmeyer acknowledged inappropriate behavior involving romantic text messages, and he stated that he did not want to be a distraction to his family, church, and constituents. In a surprising turn, President Trump has decided to support Lahmeyer's runoff opponent, state lawmaker Mark Tedford, instead.