PHOENIX – A former Arizona legislator affiliated with the Republican Party has been formally charged with allegedly falsifying signatures on his nomination forms for the 2024 reelection campaign. Austin Smith, who represented a suburban district northwest of Phoenix, withdrew from the reelection race in April 2024 after concerns arose regarding the legitimacy of signatures on his nominating petitions. At the same time, he stepped down from his position as a leader within the conservative organization, Turning Point Action.
In his campaign communications, Smith endorsed a Republican-led initiative to review the 2020 presidential election in Maricopa County. The investigation concluded without finding evidence to substantiate claims by former President Donald Trump of a fraudulent election.
The indictment, which was made public on Tuesday by the office of Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, charges Smith with four felonies, including fraudulent schemes, and adds 10 misdemeanor counts related to the illegal signing of election petitions.
Attempts to reach Smith for comment through a voicemail and email have yet to elicit a response.
Previously, Smith dismissed the allegations as a strategic maneuver by Democrats, labeling them as “silly on its face.” Nevertheless, he decided to withdraw from the campaign to avoid incurring significant legal expenses.
Prior to the allegations, Smith served as a senior director with Turning Point Action, the campaigning division of the youth-focused group Turning Point USA. This organization has emerged as an influential entity in Arizona’s Republican political landscape.