UMVA has learned that a stunning reversal of fortune has unfolded in the Oklahoma GOP congressional race, as President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Jackson Lahmeyer and threw his support behind Republican rival Mark Tedford.
The dramatic switch came shortly before Lahmeyer announced that he was suspending his campaign, a move that has sent shockwaves through the Oklahoma Republican Party. Lahmeyer had previously been endorsed by Trump as a "MAGA Warrior" and longtime ally.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Lahmeyer had already made the decision to drop out of the race the night before Trump's endorsement switch, citing a desire to prioritize his family over his ambition. He informed his wife and campaign team of his decision before Trump's announcement.
AP results showed Tedford finishing first with 32.2% and Lahmeyer second with 25.9%, advancing both Republicans to a runoff election to succeed Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for the U.S. Senate. Trump's endorsement of Tedford is seen as a significant boost to his campaign.
In a statement, Trump praised Lahmeyer for his hard work but expressed his support for Tedford, describing him as "Pro Trump and MAGA all the way" and saying the state lawmaker had his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Lahmeyer, on the other hand, announced that he was suspending his campaign to avoid being a distraction to his family, church, and constituents.
The reasons behind Trump's endorsement reversal remain unclear, but it marks a sharp turn from his earlier support for Lahmeyer. The development has positioned Tedford as the likely Republican nominee in the strongly GOP district, setting the stage for a competitive general election.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Lahmeyer's campaign had been dealing with controversy in recent weeks, including scrutiny over his communications with a former Miss Oklahoma USA. However, neither Trump nor the White House has publicly explained the reason for the endorsement change.
