President Donald Trump pulled his endorsement of pastor‑candidate Jackson Lahmeyer after a texting controversy erupted. Lahmeyer, who had been courting the Republican primary in Oklahoma’s 2nd District, exited the race this week, leaving voters to choose between his former ally and a rival backed by the former president.

Trump’s shift helped the Republican rival gain momentum ahead of the June runoff, signaling how personal scandals can reshape local contests. Party insiders note that the endorsement reversal may alter fundraising patterns, as donors scramble to align with the candidate now favored by the former president’s political network.

The episode underscores the outsized influence of high‑profile endorsements on down‑ballot races, especially in tightly contested primaries. With the runoff only weeks away, campaign strategists will watch whether the former president’s backing translates into measurable voter sway or merely adds another volatile variable to an already fluid contest.