A former Republican lawmaker in Arizona has been sentenced to probation and a five-year ban on running for public office.
FILE - Former Arizona state Rep. Austin Smith , R-Wittmann, pauses during a session on the floor during a debate on the Arizona abortion law at the capitol, April 24, 2024, in Phoenix. – A former Republican lawmaker who questioned the integrity of Arizona’s elections and served as a leader for the conservative group Turning Point Action was sentenced Tuesday to probation and a five-year ban on running for public office for using nominating petitions that contained forged signatures in a bid to qualify for a 2024 primary election.
in mid-November to charges of attempted fraudulent schemes and practices, and illegal signing of election petitions. He had acknowledged trying to use petitions with forged signatures that he knew were false and forging a dead woman’s signature on a nominating petition.in April 2024 when questions arose about signatures on his nominating petitions. He resigned at the time as a leader at Turning Point Action, the campaign arm of Turning Point USA, which has become a major force in Arizona Republican politics. His bio page said Smith was approached in 2019 by Turning Point co-founder Charlie Kirk and Tyler Bowyer, another top leader of the group, about launching Turning Point Action. Kurt Altman, Smith's lawyer, told the judge that his client was mortified by his conduct and will never run for public office again. “He realizes that things got out of hand,” Altman said. “And in today’s political atmosphere, things get out of hand very quickly. He is embarrassed by the lapse in judgment.” When handing down the sentence, Superior Court Judge Aryeh Schwartz said the offense undermined the integrity of the election process, but also said Smith accepted responsibility for his actions. Smith, who was also fined $5,500 as part of his sentence, declined to address the judge during sentencing. He also declined to comment outside of court when a reporter asked him if he wanted to do so. The Associated Press left messages for a Turning Point spokesperson. Altman told the judge that Smith has started an agricultural business. Smith previously portrayed the allegations against him as a coordinated attack by Democrats that was “silly on its face,” but said he would drop out of his reelection campaign to avoid racking up legal bills. In campaign literature, Smith voiced support for a Republican-backed review of the 2020 presidential election results in Maricopa County that ultimately ended without producing proof to support President Donald Trump’s false claims of a stolen election. Smith also sponsored an unsuccessful proposal to ban voting by mail and complained in a campaign ad about political elites breaking election laws. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.1:06KSAT story spurs second class ring reunion in San Antonio; ring found 26 years ago in Medina LakeKSAT story spurs second class ring reunion in San Antonio; ring found 26 years ago in Medina LakeSneak peak: Check out the newest H-E-B in NW Bexar County before grand openingKerr County flood survivor faces uncertain future in temporary housingPolitical turmoil in Venezuela prompts concerns among US migrants about asylum, deportationSan Antonio Zoo visitors say they still feel safe after Saturday evening stabbing▶People gather in San Antonio to protest US military action in VenezuelaParent says arrested Watts Elementary School educator assaulted studentsRobb Elementary victims’ families prepare for trial of former Uvalde CISD officerSan Antonio family warns against celebratory gunfire after 9-year-old son hit by stray bulletFinancial experts advise tackling holiday debt early as new year beginsNew year starts violently in San AntonioHigh-profile court cases set to dominate 2026 in Bexar County, South TexasAttorney Nico LaHood speaks about Robb Elementary case involving client Adrian GonzalesTenants describe Universal City apartment as ‘uninhabitable,’ say there’s no heat, hot waterNew Texas laws going into effect on Jan. 1, 2026Social Security recipients get a 2.8% cost-of-living boost in 2026, average of $56 per monthSocial Security recipients get a 2.8% cost-of-living boost in 2026, average of $56 per month▶🎆Drone footage shows miles of fireworks going off in San Antonio during New Year's Eve celebrationsBody found at landscaping company during search for missing 19-year-old Camila Mendoza OlmosBexar County sheriff says body found during search for missing teenSights and sounds: USC, TCU fans tailgate before Valero Alamo Bowl in San AntonioWhat you need to know about a fake Mega Millions scamHow a free University Health program seeks to help manage patient medication intakePrevious photo
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