Trump Withdraws Endorsement as Jackson Lahmeyer Suspends Oklahoma Congressional Bid After Sexting Allegations

Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor and one-time Trump-backed Republican candidate for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, announced Wednesday that he is suspending his campaign amid revelations of intimate text messages exchanged with former Miss Oklahoma Caitlin Simmons Key.

The controversy intensified after the British tabloid Daily Mail published alleged messages Monday night that included suggestive texts. Lahmeyer acknowledged that he had "crossed a boundary" in his text messages, said he ended all communications, and that the matter had been handled privately with his wife, Kendra, counsel and spiritual advisors. He denied that the reporting painted the full picture, saying some communications appeared "cherry-picked."

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Lahmeyer and publicly shifted support to state legislator Mark Tedford, who advanced to the GOP runoff with Lahmeyer after the primary. The two candidates were separated by roughly 4,500 votes in the primary.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: "I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer’s hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him. But, when it comes to the current Congressional race for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford. Mark is Pro Trump and MAGA all the way!... Mark Tedford has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"

Lahmeyer released a statement shortly after Trump’s post saying he had decided, after prayerful consideration with his wife and team, to suspend his campaign to avoid being a distraction to his family, his church and constituents. He reiterated his commitment to his family and faith and said he was grateful for his wife's support.

Timeline And Responses

• Monday: Daily Mail published alleged intimate texts between Lahmeyer and Caitlin Simmons Key, who reportedly worked on his campaign.
• Tuesday: Primary results put Lahmeyer and Mark Tedford into a runoff, separated by roughly 4,500 votes.
• Wednesday: Trump rescinded his endorsement and backed Tedford; Lahmeyer announced he would suspend his campaign.

This account of the campaign development and Lahmeyer’s suspension was first reported on Mediaite and subsequently covered by multiple outlets.