Oklahoma Republicans Push for Impeachment Investigation of Walters

OKLAHOMA CITY — A group of House Republicans has penned a letter requesting an investigation into the actions of state Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education. They have urged an inquiry into whether these actions could lead to impeachment due to perceived “failures.”

Representative Mark McBride, R-Moore, authored the letter and submitted it to House Speaker Charles McCall, supported by 16 fellow lawmakers. Since its submission, an additional four lawmakers have added their signatures to the document.

This letter marks the first instance of internal calls within Walters’ own Republican Party for an impeachment inquiry. House Democrats have been making similar requests since last year.

Responding to the letter, Walters labeled the signing lawmakers as “liberal Republicans” aligning with “far-left Democrats” in an attempt to obstruct the desires of Oklahoma voters.

“Their assertions lack substance and hold no credibility,” Walters stated. “These claims exude political desperation from those struggling to impede the positive educational reforms demanded by parents and voters from their chosen representatives.”

McCall indicated that he will not consider the letter’s request unless 51 or more Republicans show support for it, according to his response to the caucus.

McCall stressed that criminal investigations should fall under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General’s Office, not the Legislature. He suggested that the financial concerns raised in the letter could be addressed in public budget meetings involving officials from the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

“I hold elections in high regard, and any individual duly elected by the state’s residents should not face removal from their office unless absolutely mandated by the Constitution,” McCall emphasized.

He previously stated that his chamber would not pursue impeachment proceedings against Walters unless there were allegations of criminal nature.

Several of the co-signing lawmakers, like McBride, hold membership on education-related committees, such as the Common Education Committee chaired by Representative Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, and vice-chaired by Representative Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso.

McBride, a vocal critic of Walters, identified six concerns that emerged following the end of the 2024 Legislative Session on May 30.

At the forefront of the issues is the State Board of Education’s disallowance of lawmakers attending the board’s closed-door executive sessions. State law permits legislators on relevant committees to join these executive sessions, which are confidential.

Several lawmakers reported being barred from these private meetings in recent months, highlighting an ongoing struggle.

McBride also pointed out the lack of responsiveness from Walters’ administration to requests for information from legislators and the public. He mentioned the failure to comply with the Legislature’s directives regarding school security funds and funding for children’s asthma inhalers.

The cumulative grievances form a “pattern of overreach, disregard for legislative oversight and policy making, and indifference to student safety and budgetary stability,” as outlined by McBride.

The letter advocates for the establishment of a special investigative committee focused on the State Department of Education. This committee would be tasked with evaluating “internal and external failures” to adhere to the law by Walters and the State Board of Education.

Additionally, it would probe whether these failures amount to willful neglect of duty or incompetence, both of which serve as legitimate grounds for impeachment as per the Oklahoma Constitution.

“It pains me to make such a plea,” McBride expressed to the speaker. “Nevertheless, I believe all other options have been exhausted. I receive daily messages from constituents in my district and taxpayers statewide urging this body to take action and hold the superintendent and the State Board of Education accountable for their unconventional conduct.”

The House speaker must concur to establish such a committee. McCall will continue in office until he reaches term limits in November.

The House is responsible for drafting impeachment articles and presenting the case to the Senate, which would serve as a “court of impeachment” as per the state Constitution.

House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, noted that her caucus had previously called for impeachment proceedings against Walters five times with no action taken. She expressed satisfaction that Republican supermajority members are now joining the call.

“Given that Republicans hold majority in both legislative houses and the Governor’s office,” Munson remarked, “it is imperative for them to exercise their authority in holding the state superintendent accountable to Oklahomans. The time for action is now.”

This week witnessed a crescendo of disapproval from Republican legislators, even among those who did not endorse McBride’s letter.

Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, who is set to succeed McCall as the next House speaker, echoed others’ concerns regarding the Education Department’s delayed responses and reluctance to permit lawmakers in executive sessions.

Hilbert refrained from signing the letter requesting an investigation. Instead, he released a statement on Tuesday urging a shift in the discourse toward educators, emphasizing the need for a positive and respectful dialogue.

“As my daughter recently started kindergarten in a public school, where she receives outstanding support from dedicated teachers and staff,” Hilbert shared, “it is disheartening that instead of focusing on the excitement of a new academic year, we are embroiled in these issues due to the statements issued by the State Education Department.”

Two signatories of the letter, Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, expressed dismay at Walters’ “derogatory remarks” about the superintendent of Bixby Public Schools.

Burns and West, alongside Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, stood in defense of Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller, a former marine, who alleged the State Education Department’s delays in providing estimates for Oklahoma schools’ annual Title I funding. Walters responded by denouncing Miller as a “liar and a clown.”

The lawmakers highlighted that such name-calling is inappropriate for any leader, especially the prominent figure within the Oklahoma public school system.

“As elected officials entrusted with the future of our state, paid for by taxpayers, we must be accountable to Oklahomans and admit when we are wrong,” they articulated. “While we initially hoped Walters would grow into his role, his leadership tactics over two years have been problematic, testing our patience.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect additional lawmakers who signed McBride’s letter after initial publication and responses from McCall, Walters, and Hilbert.