President Donald Trump endorsed Jackson Lahmeyer, a Tulsa pastor and founder of Pastors for Trump, in the crowded Republican primary for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District. Trump announced on Truth Social Thursday afternoon, calling Lahmeyer a "MAGA Warrior" who has his "Complete and Total Endorsement."

The endorsement comes just over a month before the June 16 Republican primary, with a possible runoff on August 25. The seat is open after incumbent Rep. Kevin Hern announced his bid for the U.S. Senate, a race Trump previously endorsed him for in March. Oklahoma's 1st District covers the Tulsa area and surrounding counties in the northeastern part of the state.

Lahmeyer, lead pastor at Sheridan Church in Tulsa, entered the race in late March, positioning himself as a political outsider committed to Oklahoma values and America First policies. He previously challenged Sen. James Lankford in the 2022 GOP Senate primary, earning support from Trump allies but finishing second. As founder of Pastors for Trump, Lahmeyer has built ties to the former president and his family, including Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

The primary features 11 Republican candidates, including state Rep. Mark Tedford, Corporation Commission Chairwoman Kim David, and others such as Nathan Butterfield, Jed Cochran, Nancy Dyson, Courtney Gill, Dan Rooney, Paul Royse, Kelly Walsh, and Todd Woods. One report noted 12 Republicans in the field earlier this year. Democrats have one candidate listed, making the GOP primary the main contest in the deeply red district.

Lahmeyer already drew attention with an endorsement from Oklahoma GOP Chairwoman Charity Linch in April, which sparked backlash from four former state party chairs who argued it violated tradition against party leaders picking sides in primaries. Linch sent a letter supporting Lahmeyer to Trump himself. Trump's endorsement elevates Lahmeyer's profile significantly in a race seen as a battleground for Trump-aligned conservatives.

Trump's post praised Lahmeyer for standing with him and fighting for the district's residents. The timing, less than six weeks from the primary, could consolidate support among Trump's base in Oklahoma, where he remains influential.

No immediate reactions from other candidates were available Thursday evening. The race has drawn national interest due to its openness and the roster of contenders vying to replace Hern in a district that has been reliably Republican.