Former Arizona State Representative Austin Smith made a name for himself in Arizona politics by sounding alarms about election integrity. A self-proclaimed champion of grassroots conservatism, Smith was once a leading voice in the state’s Freedom Caucus and a high-ranking figure at Turning Point Action. He sat in judgment of so-called RINOs, scored lawmakers on their voting records using a skewed measuring scheme, and publicly positioned himself as a moral compass for the right.
But now, Smith finds himself judged. A Maricopa County Grand Jury found that there is enough evidence that he should face a judge as the subject of a 14-count criminal indictment.
According to the indictment issued on June 2, 2025, Smith faces one felony count of Fraudulent Schemes and Practices, three felony counts of Presentment of a False Instrument for Filing, and ten misdemeanor counts of Illegal Signing of Election Petitions. The charges stem from Smith’s 2024 campaign for re-election, during which he allegedly submitted forged nomination signatures and falsely certified their authenticity.
“Austin Cole Smith… did make or use petitions containing forged elector signatures, a false writing or document knowing it contained a false or fictitious or fraudulent statement,” the indictment states [State of Arizona v. Smith, CR Indictment No. 96 SGJ 73].
Among the forgeries were names like “Enrique Sandoval,” “Nancy Gray,” and “Daniel Hernandez,” all allegedly signed by Smith himself. In at least three instances, Smith is accused of completing the official verification sections on the back of nomination petitions—falsely swearing to the truthfulness of the signatures he knew were fabricated.
The irony is not lost on political observers.
Smith’s political persona was built on tough talk. He lectured colleagues on standing firm, scored elected officials based on their ‘conservative purity,’ and portrayed himself as a watchdog of government integrity. Up until the time of his indictment, Smith held a high-profile post at Turning Point Action, where he led the organization’s legislative scorecard initiative—ranking lawmakers based on their alignment with ‘America First’ values.
But in March 2024, after questions emerged regarding the validity of his own petition signatures, Smith abruptly withdrew from the race and took a leave of absence from Turning Point.
Rather than address the concerns publicly, Smith went silent.
By early 2025, however, he quietly resurfaced, resuming a leadership role within Turning Point’s scorecard division—this time grading other lawmakers while his own legal issues simmered beneath the surface.
Smith has also promoted himself as a “simple Arizona farmer,” a branding tactic that helped him connect with rural voters. But public records show no evidence of land ownership or agricultural operations tied to Smith’s name. Critics have long alleged that the farmer image was more photo-op than fact—a carefully constructed marketing angle aimed at boosting credibility with conservative base voters.
“He’s not a farmer. He’s a fraud in flannel,” said one grassroots activist who once supported Smith but now views him as a cautionary tale of political self-interest.
The disconnect between Smith’s branding and reality adds another layer to what many are now calling a ‘comprehensive political con.’
Smith built his public persona by attacking alleged fraud in the 2020 election and beyond. He demanded accountability, transparency, and higher standards from others. Yet behind closed doors, the indictment alleges, he was falsifying names and signatures to qualify for the very office he held.
Political operatives familiar with the case say it reflects a broader pattern in modern politics—where self-branded ‘outsiders’ gain traction by calling out corruption, only to engage in it once in power.
“There’s a dangerous breed of influencer-politicians who know the language of activism but none of the responsibility,” said one veteran Arizona consultant. “Smith is the case study.”
The Attorney General’s Office has not yet announced a court date for Smith’s arraignment, and his legal team has not responded to requests for comment. If convicted, Smith could face jail time, fines, and disqualification from holding public office in Arizona.
His allies have gone mostly silent. Turning Point Action has declined to issue a public statement since the indictment was unsealed.
Meanwhile, Smith continues to maintain his role in grading Arizona lawmakers—despite being under indictment for election-related crimes.
Smith’s indictment marks a stunning fall for a figure once hailed as a conservative firebrand. From forged petitions to false personas, the entire foundation of his political career now appears to have been built on projection, not principle.
As the legal process unfolds, one question remains: How many more self-proclaimed warriors for truth are simply playing a part?
Arizona Daily Independent will continue to follow this story as it develops. Stay tuned.
So, the ‘writer’ of this story already has Smith tarred and feathered. He’s *guilty”, dontcha know.
Nothing about the possibility of a marxist AG on a lawfare mission….
This kind of ‘story’ just makes ADI look anything but ‘independent’.
Hmm, imagine a Republican charged with election fraud.
It’s an unfortunately necessity that wrong-doers on “our side” be called out. Naturally, we all want to believe ‘we’ would never do what the other side does, but that’s human nature. It’s frustrating that the lame stream media works so hard to protect illiberal politicians and actors – sometimes in the face of obvious and overwhelming evidence – but morality and consistency demands we trend where they dare not follow.
Having the political sentiment supported by the majority of Arizonans (conservative) doesn’t excuse criminal behavior. He will have his day in court and we’ll see whether the charges are validated.