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Arizona Lawmaker Austin Smith Withdraws from Reelection Amid Signature Forgery Allegations

Republican Rep. Austin Smith of Arizona has ended his reelection campaign and resigned from Turning Point Action after being accused of forging signatures on his nominating petitions.

Overview

  • Republican state Rep. Austin Smith has dropped his reelection bid following accusations of forging over 100 signatures to qualify for the 2024 ballot.
  • The allegations have triggered a possible criminal investigation by the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
  • Smith, a member of the Arizona Freedom Caucus and a former official at Turning Point Action, has faced criticism for previously denying election fraud.
  • Local officials and party members have urged Smith to resign from his legislative position as the scandal unfolds.
  • The controversy has left the Republican Party with fewer candidates for upcoming elections, complicating efforts to maintain their legislative majority.