Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters hit with a new ethics probe
Jan 17, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — After reporting Thursday night of State Superintendent Ryan Walters being investigated by the Ethics Commission for allegedly violating campaign finance rules, a second investigation is underway for supporting President-elect Donald Trump on social media in the presidential election.
According to documents obtained by News 4, the Ethics Commission authorized a formal investigation after determining "reasonable cause to believe that violations of one or more" provisions occurred.
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Documents state that Walters allegedly used "...internet social media account(s) maintained in the name of you, as a state officer, and social media account(s) maintained in the name of a state agency to advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for an elective office. The following are the relevant facts and allegations that relate to this specific matter, so far as known to the Commission."
The official notice of investigation can be viewed below.
C23-27_24-37PublicDownload
News 4 has contacted the Oklahoma State Department of Education for comment but have not heard back from the Superintendent's spokesperson.
This is a developing story. News 4 will have more information during the 10 p.m. show tonight.