Ex-Arizona lawmaker who questioned election integrity gets probation for using forged signatures
January 6, 2026
A former Republican lawmaker in Arizona has been sentenced to probation and a five-year ban on running for public office. Austin Smith, who was a leader for the conservative group Turning Point Action, pleaded guilty to using nominating petitions with forged signatures for a 2024 primary election. He admitted to forging a dead woman’s signature and using false petitions. Smith served one term in the Arizona House before dropping his reelection bid in April 2024. His lawyer said Smith is embarrassed and will not run for office again. The judge noted the offense undermined election integrity. Turning Point Action is the campaign arm of Turning Point USA.