TULSA, Okla. — Jackson Lahmeyer is dropping out of the GOP runoff for congress.
Lahmeyer officially filed the paper work to end his campaign on June 19th.
He also confirmed to 2 News he is taking a sabbatical from his role at Sheridan.Church.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Lahmeyer also admitted to having an affair in 2022.
He issued the following statement:
“After prayerful consideration with my wife, Kendra, and my team over the last twenty four hours, I've made the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Congress. 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. I sincerely appreciate
all the support along the way. I will never forget those who stood by me and fought alongside us when I needed them the most.”
WATCH: Trump changes endorsement, Jackson Lahmeyer drops out of GOP primary race
This comes after President Trump removed his endorsement of Lahmeyer and instead endorsed his opponent in a post on social media:
"I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer’s hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, and I will always be with him. But, when it comes to the current Congressional race for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District, I will be supporting America First Patriot, Mark Tedford. Mark is Pro Trump and MAGA all the way! A Proven Leader, Mark has served his Community as a Highly Respected State Legislator and Businessman, prior to running for Congress. Mark Tedford has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!"
Lahmeyer came in second, but no candidate got the majority so a runoff with Rep. Mark Tedford was scheduled for August. An Oklahoma State Board of Elections member told 2 News Oklahoma any candidate who finished in the top two for a runoff has until Friday, June 19 at end of business day to officially submit withdrawal documents.
If that is completed, there will be no August runoff election held for the Republican nomination.
- See also>>> Oklahoma June 16 Primary Election results
Earlier in the week, reports surfaced of past inappropriate text messages Lahmeyer allegedly sent a former Miss Oklahoma USA. Lahmeyer vaguely addressed the allegations in a post on social media over the weekend, saying that “this matter was already dealt with privately between me and my wife,” adding, “I own crossing a boundary line through text messaging. I also ended all communication.
- WATCH: Congressional candidate John Croisant on Jackson Lahmeyer dropping out
Congressional candidate John Croisant on Jackson Lahmeyer dropping out
On the Democratic side in the race, Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education member John Croisant ran unopposed.
“Everyone that was running on the Republican side that was at the top of their ballot wanted the Trump endorsement," Croisant said. "So, they’re running for Trump. For me, I’m running for Oklahomans. I’m going to focus on affordability, improving education, and stopping all this chaos and corruption.”
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