President Donald Trump retracted his endorsement of Oklahoma GOP candidate Jackson Lahmeyer on Wednesday. Trump shifted his support to Republican rival Mark Tedford. This decision occurred shortly before Lahmeyer declared he was suspending his campaign.
Lahmeyer spoke to Fox News Digital, noting that he had decided to end his campaign the previous evening. He communicated his decision to his wife and campaign team before Trump announced his endorsement change.
“I made my decision to drop out of the race last night,” Lahmeyer told Fox News Digital. “I decided to choose my wife over my ambition. I informed my wife about my decision late last night and then my campaign team early this morning. My decision did not take place because of the decision of POTUS this afternoon.”
The Associated Press results showed Tedford leading with 32.2%, while Lahmeyer held 25.9%. Both advance to a runoff for the seat of Rep. Kevin Hern, who is pursuing a U.S. Senate position.
In a reversal of his earlier endorsement of Lahmeyer as a “MAGA Warrior,” Trump switched his support to Tedford. This switch was announced on Truth Social at approximately 2:23 p.m. Trump expressed gratitude for Lahmeyer’s efforts but endorsed Tedford for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District.
“I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer’s hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him,” Trump stated. “But, when it comes to the current Congressional race for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford.”
Shortly after this announcement, Lahmeyer informed the public at 2:32 p.m. via X that he was suspending his campaign. He emphasized the importance of not being a distraction to his family, church, and the voters of Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District.
Fox News Digital reached out to Lahmeyer, Tedford, and the White House for comments. A White House official pointed to Trump’s Truth Social statement without additional input.
Lahmeyer’s campaign faced previous challenges, including reports from The Daily Mail concerning his communications with former Miss Oklahoma USA Caitlin Simmons Key. Lahmeyer addressed the issue, acknowledging a boundary crossed through text while contesting the report’s portrayal.
Neither Trump nor the White House explained the reason for the endorsement change. Tedford is now poised as the likely Republican nominee in the predominantly GOP district.