A prominent Oklahoma pastor who built his national profile as a staunch Trump ally and conservative Christian activist has abruptly suspended his campaign for Congress after reports revealed intimate text exchanges with a former beauty queen connected to his campaign.
Jackson Lahmeyer, founder of the pro-Trump organization Pastors for Trump, announced he was ending his bid for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District following reports detailing flirtatious messages between him and former Miss Oklahoma USA Caitlin Simmons Key, who worked as a fundraiser for his campaign.
The controversy quickly exposed an uncomfortable contradiction for a candidate who has spent years promoting conservative family values while presenting himself as a moral voice within the MAGA movement.
Lahmeyer admitted he had “crossed a boundary line through text messaging” but denied having a physical affair. He said he and his wife had already addressed the matter through counseling and prayer.
“I decided to choose my wife over my ambition,” Lahmeyer told reporters after announcing his withdrawal.
The political consequences were swift.
President Donald Trump, who had previously endorsed Lahmeyer and praised him as a “MAGA Warrior,” publicly abandoned the pastor and shifted his support to Oklahoma state Rep. Mark Tedford.
While Trump thanked Lahmeyer for his loyalty and years of support, he made clear that Tedford would now carry the America First banner in the race.
Lahmeyer insists his decision to leave the race was made before Trump’s endorsement switch became public. Still, the timing underscored how quickly political fortunes can change when personal scandals collide with public campaigns.
For years, Lahmeyer cultivated close ties to the Trump movement. His Tulsa church hosted appearances from Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and he became a nationally recognized evangelical voice defending Trump’s agenda. He also promoted claims of widespread voter fraud following the 2020 election and worked to mobilize evangelical voters during Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Now, the pastor who built his reputation on faith, family values, and political activism finds himself stepping away from public office after failing to meet the standards he routinely championed.
His exit effectively clears the path for Tedford to become the Republican nominee in the race to replace outgoing Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
This article originally appeared on Election Watch News. It is republished with permission. To receive more reporting and analysis from Election Watch News, subscribe by clicking here.
