Turning Point state rep bows out amid petition forgery allegations

Turning Point Action's senior director and state Rep. Austin Smith, a Republican from Surprise, announced Thursday that he is withdrawing from his state congressional race amid allegations he forged signatures in a re-election petition for Legislative District 29.

In an election challenge lawsuit, at least two voters claim Smith may have personally forged signatures in his bid to be re-elected in Legislative District 29. The district, in the far West Valley, includes portions of Glendale, El Mirage, Surprise, Litchfield Park, Goodyear and Morristown.

In his resignation announcement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, he cited being the victim and admitted no wrong-doing.

“It seemed ludicrous because Republicans trying to get on the ballot don’t seek Democrat signatures and would have no reason to forge Democrat signatures since they don’t count,” he wrote. “Nevertheless, it was something I took seriously because the coordinated attack included press releases and social media activity and other things that made it clear that this was a well-organized effort.”

Amid the allegations, Smith referenced multiple recommendations he received as motivation for his decision.

“The recommendation I received most was that I bow out and live to fight another day,” he wrote. “I might be confident of victory, but all it would take is a judge believing any one person, and all would be lost.”

Smith said he would eliminate paper petitions in any in any future campaign, to avoid any made up stories.

If Smith was found guilty, he was told he’d be banned from running for five years, according to his X post.

Election integrity champion

Smith, known as an election integrity candidate, is listed as the circulator for both voters listed in the suit. In the complaint, two voters, Bruce Bell and Daniel Hernandez, claim they never signed Smith's petition. 

The lawsuit also claims the signatures of other items appear forged or similar. 

It also claims the signature styles resemble Smith's attestation signature on the petition.

Goodyear resident, Jim Ashurst, filed the challenge late Monday.

Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee issued a press release the same day the lawsuit dropped.

“If the lawsuit proves true, this forgery would be among the most egregious incidents by an elected official in recent Arizona election history and immediately disqualify Smith from the ballot,” claimed the committee in a press release.

In past social media posts, Smith has shown an interest in politics and affairs that is unrelated to the interests of his constituents.

In November, Smith asked county officials directly on social media about voting times and locations outside of his legislative district.

“Why is Maricopa County shutting down voting locations before the deadline to vote at Paradise Valley School District with a question on the ballot?” he asked. “Bill Gates what's the reason? Stephen Richter any idea?”

Goodyear voting locations showed matching closing times.

In his most recent campaign finance report filed with the state, Smith showed only three donations from individuals in his district. One Litchfield Park resident donated to Smith and no Goodyear residents donated to Smith.

Smith had several donations outside of his district, 14 from Wickenburg, two from Sedona and two from Scottsdale.

According to Smith on X, he initially qualified with above 50% of the required number of signatures needed.