Jackson Lahmeyer, a pastor who backs Israel and holds that the Antichrist will be Jewish, secured sufficient votes on Tuesday to advance to a runoff in Oklahoma's congressional primary for the state's first district.

One day later, Lahmeyer declared he was halting his campaign after careful reflection. He stated he did not wish to distract his family, his church, or the residents of Oklahoma's first congressional district, who merit a robust conservative advocate in Washington.

Once viewed as the frontrunner thanks to President Donald Trump's endorsement, Lahmeyer's standing declined sharply before the primary when reports emerged of text messages he exchanged with a former Miss Oklahoma. He acknowledged crossing a line yet described the matter as private and resolved; Trump initially stood by him but later withdrew the endorsement on Wednesday.

Lahmeyer's withdrawal leaves state Representative Mark Tedford of Tulsa positioned to win the seat in November. The solidly Republican district makes the GOP nominee the likely victor.

GOP and MAGA Split on Israel, Tradition, and Faith

The would-be runoff would have highlighted contrasting styles within the Republican Party on politics and Israel. Lahmeyer aligned with Trump's MAGA wing, whereas Tedford represents a more conventional conservative approach. Both favor strict immigration policies, though Lahmeyer has repeatedly warned of Muslim attempts to impose sharia law in America.

Each candidate is an evangelical Christian with ministry experience. Lahmeyer serves as a pastor and teaches an end-times view featuring an Antichrist of Jewish descent. He also champions Israel in line with his Christian nationalist perspective. Tedford has offered minimal public remarks on Israel or the Gaza conflict.

In Tuesday's eleven-candidate primary, Tedford captured 32.1 percent of the vote and Lahmeyer 25.9 percent, per the Oklahoma State Election Board.

MAGA Influence in GOP Requires Trump Backing

Most of the remaining candidates lacked MAGA ties, indicating Lahmeyer would have faced an uphill battle in the runoff. In a late Tuesday statement, he urged supporters to continue the fight and send a Trump-backed warrior to Congress to defend Oklahoma values.

Democratic nominee John Croisant, a Tulsa school board member, has not addressed Israel or Gaza publicly. This account was revised after publication to note Lahmeyer's decision to suspend his campaign.