Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor endorsed by President Donald Trump, announced on June 17, 2026, that he is suspending his campaign for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District. This decision follows his performance in the primary election, where he received 25.9% of the Republican primary vote, placing second to state Rep. Mark Tedford, who garnered 32.2%. Lahmeyer cited the need to avoid being a distraction to his family and community in his statement posted on X.
His campaign faced challenges due to allegations of inappropriate communications with a campaign aide, Caitlin Simmons Key. Following Lahmeyer's announcement, President Trump expressed gratitude for his efforts and endorsed Tedford for the runoff election.
Key stated to the Daily Mail that she and Lahmeyer had shared intimate moments and exchanged numerous messages. Lahmeyer's wife publicly criticized Key in response to the situation. Additionally, another Trump-backed candidate, Georgia's Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, also faced defeat in his primary race.