Key facts
- Donald Trump switched his endorsement in an Oklahoma House primary.
- Jackson Lahmeyer, Trump's initial candidate, withdrew from the race.
- Lahmeyer's withdrawal followed reports of him sending extramarital text messages.
- Mark Tedford is now the presumptive Republican nominee.
- Tedford had a cash advantage and support from state legislative leaders.
Donald Trump has altered his endorsement in an Oklahoma House primary election. His initial candidate, Jackson Lahmeyer, withdrew from the race after advancing to a runoff, effectively granting Mark Tedford the Republican nomination. Lahmeyer's decision followed reports that he had sent intimate text messages to a former campaign fundraiser. Lahmeyer acknowledged crossing a boundary line through text messaging but described the report as 'distorted.' Trump, who had previously endorsed Lahmeyer, announced his support for Tedford shortly before Lahmeyer's withdrawal. Tedford, who had a cash advantage and support from state legislative leaders, is now heavily favored to win the general election for the seat currently held by Rep. Kevin Hern, who is running for the Senate.