Pastors For Trump Founder Launches Bid for Open Oklahoma Congressional Seat

TULSA, OK – March 24, 2026 – Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer, a national faith leader and founder of the influential 'Pastors For Trump' organization, officially launched his campaign for U.S. Congress today, entering a crowded and developing Republican primary for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District.

Speaking at the Tulsa County Republican Party Headquarters, Lahmeyer framed his candidacy as a mission to bring stability, security, and Oklahoma values to a broken political system in Washington. His announcement sets the stage for a significant test of the 'America First' movement's grassroots power in a deeply Republican district, just as the 2026 midterm election season begins to intensify.

"Washington is broken—and career politicians have failed Oklahoma," Lahmeyer declared. "I'm not a career politician. I'm not running to be part of the political class — I'm running to represent the values important to the people of this Oklahoma district... The voters of this district can count on me to stand with President Trump and deliver America First leadership."

Lahmeyer, the lead pastor of Tulsa's Sheridan Church, will host a public campaign kickoff event this evening at his church, which has previously welcomed conservative figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

A Suddenly Open Seat Creates a Competitive Primary

Lahmeyer's entry into the race comes at a moment of significant political reshuffling in Oklahoma. The 1st Congressional District seat, anchored by Tulsa and its suburbs, is now open following the incumbent's decision to seek higher office. Republican Rep. Kevin Hern, who has represented the district since 2018, announced on March 11 that he would run for the U.S. Senate.

This opportunity arose after Senator Markwayne Mullin was appointed Secretary of Homeland Security on March 23, creating an open Senate seat. Hern, who was endorsed by former President Trump for his Senate bid, leaves behind a district with a Cook Partisan Voter Index of R+11, making the Republican primary the de facto election for the seat. The district has not been represented by a Democrat since 1987.

The open seat has attracted a flurry of candidates ahead of the April 3 filing deadline. Lahmeyer will face a competitive GOP primary field on June 16, which already includes Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chair Kim David, Navy veteran and attorney Jackson Stallings, and State Representative Mark Tedford, among others. Stallings has already secured endorsements from former 1st District Rep. Steve Largent and U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas.

The 'America First' Pulpit Goes to Washington

At the core of Lahmeyer's campaign is the fusion of faith and 'America First' politics. He is not just a pastor but a political organizer who built a national network. His organization, 'Pastors For Trump,' reportedly includes over 7,000 pastors nationwide and was created to mobilize faith-based voters in support of Donald Trump's agenda.

This background positions him as a unique political entity, moving from mobilizing support from the pulpit to seeking office himself. His campaign leverages his work with the White House Faith Office, established in February 2025 under televangelist Paula White-Cain, and his role on the National Faith Advisory Board. These affiliations provide him with established credentials within the national evangelical political structure.

This is not Lahmeyer's first foray into federal politics. In 2022, he challenged incumbent Senator James Lankford in the Republican primary, securing a notable 26% of the vote. While unsuccessful, that campaign demonstrated his ability to command a significant slice of the conservative electorate. Running for an open House seat, rather than against a well-established incumbent, presents a more viable path to Washington.

A Barometer for the Trump Legacy

Lahmeyer’s campaign is already being boosted by prominent figures from the Trump administration. He announced early endorsements from former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, both of whom praised him as a principled leader committed to the 'America First' cause. These endorsements are powerful signals to the MAGA base and solidify Lahmeyer's credentials as a staunch Trump loyalist.

General Flynn has been actively involved with Lahmeyer's 'Pastors for Trump' group since at least 2023, highlighting the deep connections between the candidate and the inner circle of the 'America First' movement. The race in Oklahoma's 1st District will therefore serve as a crucial barometer for the enduring influence of these figures and the Trump brand itself heading into the midterm elections.

Lahmeyer's strategy appears to be a direct appeal to the grassroots, bypassing traditional party structures in favor of the powerful, pre-existing network he built through his ministry and political activism. By positioning himself as an outsider fighting against the "political class," he hopes to harness the anti-establishment energy that continues to animate a large portion of the Republican base. As the primary field takes its final shape, the contest will reveal much about the future direction of the Republican party in one of its safest strongholds.