Jackson Lahmeyer, a Tulsa megachurch pastor and Republican candidate for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District, is reportedly preparing to withdraw from the congressional race following revelations about his communications with a former campaign fundraiser.

According to reports cited by NOTUS, sources familiar with the situation indicated that Lahmeyer intends to leave the race, although the decision had not yet been formally finalized at the time of reporting.

Lahmeyer, who had received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, advanced to an August runoff election after securing approximately 26% of the vote in an 11-candidate Republican primary.He was scheduled to face Oklahoma state Representative Mark Tedford in the runoff.

The controversy emerged after the Daily Mail published text messages allegedly exchanged between Lahmeyer and Caitlin Simmons Key, a former fundraiser for his campaign and a former Miss Oklahoma USA.The messages reportedly included affectionate language and an invitation to meet at a hotel.In response, Lahmeyer issued a public statement acknowledging that he had crossed an inappropriate boundary through text communications.He stated that he had addressed the matter privately with his wife and worked through it with counseling and prayer.Key later told the Daily Mail that the relationship involved more than text messages and included physical kisses.The allegations generated significant attention during the campaign and appear to have contributed to Lahmeyer's decision to exit the race.

Reports indicated that a formal announcement regarding his withdrawal was expected on Wednesday, potentially reshaping the Republican contest for Oklahoma's congressional seat.