A former Arizona lawmaker has been indicted on fraud charges, accused of forging signatures to get his name on the ballot, according to court documents. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, D, announced that Austin Cole Smith, the former 29th District representative in Arizona’s House of Representatives and a leader of the conservative political advocacy group Turning Point Action, is facing 14 counts related to fraudulent candidate signatures.
“The defendant has been charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors, including deceiving the Secretary of State’s Office with petitions containing forged elector signatures and signing names other than his own to the nominating petition,” the AG’s office said in a statement.
Smith is facing serious legal consequences. Each felony charge could result in 1 to 2 years in prison if he’s found guilty, and each misdemeanor charge could lead to up to six months in jail if convicted.
Background on Smith’s political career
Smith was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2022. He was serving his first term in 2023 when he decided to put his name in the hat for re-election.
In Arizona, when someone runs for public office, they usually have to collect a certain number of signatures from registered voters who support their candidacy. These signatures are submitted to election officials to demonstrate that the candidate has sufficient public support to qualify and appear on the election ballot.
Lawsuit preceded withdrawal from race
Smith dropped his re-election bid in April 2024, days before an elector filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of knowingly forging signatures on nomination petitions.
“Several of Smith’s petition sheets bear purported voter signatures that appear to have been written by the same person. Many of those signatures bear a striking resemblance to Smith’s,” the lawsuit states.
Turning Point USA connection
Smith held the position of senior director at Turning Point Action, which is described as the campaign division of Turning Point USA, a group focused on mobilizing young conservative voters.
Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative podcaster and Turning Point USA’s founder, endorsed Smith in 2022, writing on X, “I always say ‘support the fighters,’ and @AZAustinSmith has been in the fight with me for 7 years, and now he’s running to represent Arizona in the State House. He’ll fight for fair elections, strong families, and a secure border. I’m proud to endorse him.”
Straight Arrow News has reached out to Turning Point USA for comment.
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Author: Lauren Keenan
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