Fox News contributors Kaylee McGhee White and Meghan Hays analyze President Donald Trump's significant endorsement power after Ken Paxton's decisive victory over John Cornyn in the Texas GOP primary runoff.
President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Oklahoma GOP congressional candidate Jackson Lahmeyer on Wednesday, and threw his support behind Republican rival Mark Tedford, a dramatic reversal that came shortly before Lahmeyer publicly announced he was suspending his campaign.
Lahmeyer told Fox News Digital, however, that he made the decision to end his campaign the night before and informed his wife and campaign team before Trump's endorsement switch.
"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."
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 DROPS MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE ENDORSEMENT, CALLS HER A ‘RANTING LUNATIC,' HINTS AT BACKING PRIMARY RIVAL
Republican pastor Jackson Lahmeyer formally suspended his campaign for House District OK-01 Wednesday via X, mere minutes after President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement on Truth Social. (Ballotpedia)
Trump had previously endorsed Lahmeyer as a "MAGA Warrior" and longtime ally, making Wednesday's endorsement switch one of the more notable reversals of the 2026 midterm cycle.
At approximately 2:23 p.m., Trump announced on Truth Social that he was backing Tedford.
"I greatly appreciate Jackson Lahmeyer's hard work under difficult circumstances — He has always been with me, a
