State schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister makes a statement to the media about the charges filed against her by Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater for campaign fundraising violations and conspiracy. [Photo by Doug Hoke, The Oklahoman Archives]

State schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister bowed her head, took a deep breath and delivered a prepared statement to a room full of cameras on what had just become the toughest day of her young political career.

On Nov. 3, Hofmeister was charged with four felony counts of campaign fundraising violations and conspiracy. She is accused of colluding with a dark money group during her 2014 campaign, when she rode a wave of educator backlash against an incumbent who had become cross with Oklahoma's so-called education establishment.

During her two years in office Hofmeister has demonstrated a comfort in front of the camera, regularly appearing at schools, speaking at town halls and other events that found her meeting with teachers, students and families. Many celebrated her image of accessibility, a constant level of poise and an ever-smiling face for the state Department of Education.

But in her first public appearance since Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater filed the charges against her, Hofmeister wore an uncharacteristically solemn expression as she told reporters and the state, “I will fight these allegations.”