Jackson Lahmeyer, a Republican congressional candidate in Oklahoma who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, has withdrawn from his campaign following allegations of exchanging inappropriate personal messages with a former campaign fundraiser. The controversy, involving Caitlin Simmons Key, a former Miss Oklahoma USA contestant and political fundraiser, intensified days before Oklahoma’s Republican primary election and led to Mr. Lahmeyer’s reported resignation from the race.
"You are a home wrecking whore. Did you enjoy ruining our family?" — Kendra Lahmeyer, Wife of Jackson Lahmeyer.
Mr. Lahmeyer, a Tulsa pastor, had built his public image around conservative Christian values and family-oriented messaging. He previously challenged Senator James Lankford in a Republican primary and later founded a faith-based political organization aligned with Trump supporters. President Trump’s endorsement had elevated Mr. Lahmeyer’s profile in a crowded Republican primary contest, describing him as a strong supporter of the administration’s agenda.
According to Ms. Key, who joined Mr. Lahmeyer’s congressional campaign as a fundraiser earlier this year, the communications between them evolved over several months. She described the interactions as initially political, but later crossing professional boundaries into what she characterized as an emotionally inappropriate relationship between a married pastor and a campaign staff member. Ms. Key maintained that she was never romantically involved with the candidate and that any feelings expressed by Mr. Lahmeyer were not reciprocated. She stated that she repeatedly encouraged him to focus on his marriage and family responsibilities.
The situation escalated in May when Mr. Lahmeyer’s wife, Kendra Lahmeyer, allegedly discovered the messages. Text exchanges published by the Daily Mail indicate that Kendra Lahmeyer confronted Ms. Key, accusing her of interfering with her family and demanding that she cease all contact with her husband. In one instance, Kendra Lahmeyer reportedly told Ms. Key, "You are a home wrecking whore. Did you enjoy ruining our family?"
The reported messages included personal conversations, compliments, invitations to meet privately, and discussions beyond campaign activities. In some exchanges, Mr. Lahmeyer allegedly expressed emotional attachment to Ms. Key and acknowledged that he had become too close to her. The Daily Mail also reported that Mr. Lahmeyer later informed Ms. Key that he had told his wife he had become emotionally attached and shared too much personal information, but he insisted their relationship had not been romantic.
Beyond the personal conduct allegations, questions have also been raised regarding campaign finances. Ms. Key stated she was paid $500 per week plus a percentage of the funds she raised for the campaign. She claimed that these payments continued even after she was cut off from campaign communications. Ms. Key questioned whether these payments were intended to maintain her silence, though she acknowledged she could not prove that assertion. Representatives for the campaign reportedly told her the payments continued because it was the appropriate course of action.
Ms. Key stated that she initially supported Mr. Lahmeyer both politically and personally. However, she ultimately decided to speak publicly because she believed voters deserved to know about conduct she viewed as inconsistent with his public image and espoused values. She contrasted her own actions with those of the candidate, stating, "I’m not standing on a platform as a Christian leader and family man."
As of the initial publication of these allegations, Mr. Lahmeyer had denied claims of a physical relationship, characterizing the messages as inappropriate flirting rather than evidence of an affair. The campaign had not announced any changes to its operations or responded to all of the specific allegations outlined in the report at that time. However, a subsequent report by the Daily Mail on June 17, 2026, indicated that Mr. Lahmeyer had quit his campaign following the exposure of a "kissing scandal." This development marks a significant turn for the Oklahoma Republican primary race and for a candidate who had recently gained national attention through a high-profile presidential endorsement. The withdrawal effectively ends his bid for congressional office, leaving the primary field without a candidate who had been closely aligned with President Trump's political movement.
