Pastors for Trump founder Jackson Lahmeyer has withdrawn from the Oklahoma 1st Congressional District race after a texting scandal. Lahmeyer, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, announced his decision on Wednesday, citing a desire not to be a distraction to his family, church, and the people of Oklahoma.

Background

Lahmeyer, the lead pastor of Sheridan Church in Tulsa, was projected to advance to a runoff for the Republican nomination. However, a Daily Mail report alleged that Lahmeyer had sent romantic text messages to a woman who is not his wife. Lahmeyer acknowledged inappropriate behavior but criticized the outlet and the timing of the story’s publication.

President Trump initially reaffirmed his support for Lahmeyer but later announced that he would be backing Lahmeyer’s runoff opponent, state lawmaker Mark Tedford. Lahmeyer’s withdrawal from the race leaves an open path to the nomination for Tedford as he vies to succeed GOP Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for Senate.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.