Nathan Dahm switches over to open Senate race, Lahmeyer sticks with Lankford challenge

U.S. Sen. James Lankford drew two main challengers in the latter half of 2021 (sorry, Joan Farr, but you don't count as "main"): State Sen. Nathan Dahm and Tulsa pastor Jackson Lahmeyer. Jim Inhofe's retirement announcement, opening his seat up for contest this year, caused both to consider their options.

Dahm and Lahmeyer have taken divering paths, with Dahm opting for the open Senate race (joining U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin and Inhofe staffer Luke Holland), while Lahmeyer is sticking with challenging Lankford.

Dahm told the Washington Examiner of his new intentions in an interview at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) over the weekend in Orlando.

Lahmeyer announced his decision via email and social media: 

.@jameslankford or @JimInhofe seat?
Decision made 👇👇👇#LahmeyerForSenate 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lfHf4AgAP5

— Jackson Lahmeyer (@JacksonLahmeyer) February 26, 2022

There continue to be rumors about a variety of other individuals considering joining the open Senate race. Former State Rep. Paul Wesselhoft told me on Saturday that he is exploring a run, and former State House Speaker T.W. Shannon is considering his options. U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern is widely expected to jump in this week, causing a second open House seat to spark competition.