Arizona State Representative Austin Smith, a prominent figure in the conservative group Turning Point Action, announced his resignation from the organization and withdrawal from the reelection race for the Arizona House of Representatives. This decision comes in the wake of accusations that Smith forged signatures on his nominating petitions.
Smith, who has previously espoused unproven claims of election fraud, faced a complaint filed by a Democratic activist in his district. The complaint alleged that several petition sheets contained signatures that appeared to be written by the same individual, with many bearing a resemblance to Smith's handwriting. Affidavits from two voters whose names were included in Smith's petition stated that they had not signed the documents.
