Trump-backed pastor Jackson Lahmeyer, who says Antichrist will be Jewish, drops from GOP race

Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has suspended his campaign for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District seat. Lahmeyer, who had earned Trump's endorsement and was considered a favorite in the crowded Republican primary, announced his decision Wednesday after revelations surfaced that he had exchanged text messages with a former Miss Oklahoma.

Lahmeyer acknowledged crossing a boundary but described the episode as a private matter. Initially, Trump reaffirmed his endorsement following the revelation, but he later rescinded it. Lahmeyer stated his decision to withdraw was made after prayerful consideration, aiming not to be a distraction to his family, church, or the constituents of Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District.

The pastor's campaign had been marked by his strong evangelical Christian nationalist views, including support for Israel and a belief that the Antichrist will be Jewish. He also employed rhetoric critical of Muslims, warning of efforts to establish "sharia law" in the United States. His withdrawal is significant as it pits a MAGA movement candidate against a more traditional conservative, Mark Tedford, a member of the state House of Representatives.

Lahmeyer's exit effectively clears a path for Tedford, who secured a significant portion of the vote in Tuesday's primary. The district is considered a solid Republican stronghold, making the eventual Republican nominee virtually assured of victory in November. The race highlighted divisions within the Republican Party on issues ranging from political style to theological interpretations and approaches to foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel.

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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.