Former GOP state Rep. Austin Smith, a Turning Point leader, indicted for forging election documents
Former Republican state legislator Austin Smith has been indicted on 14 misdemeanor and felony counts for allegedly forging voter signatures on his petitions for reelection last year.
Former member of the state legislature's far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus Smith dropped his reelection bid last spring after he was accused of personally forging more than 100 petition signatures to get on the 2024 Republican primary ballot.
Around the same time, Smith resigned from his position as senior director at Turning Point Action, the political advocacy arm of Turning Point USA, a far-right organization based in Phoenix that aims to mobilize young conservatives. But according to Smith's Linkedin and X accounts, he was rehired in January as Turning Point Action's strategic director. Smith made his X account private, blocking his biographical information — including his job title — on the morning of June 10, after the news of his indictment was made public.
A Maricopa County grand jury indicted Smith on June 2 on four felony counts, for presenting documents he knew were forged to the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, and 10 misdemeanor counts for personally forging the names of electors on his reelection petitions.
The felonies each come with a 1-2 year prison sentence; the misdemeanors come with a six-month imprisonment.
When the allegations of signature fraud became public in April 2024, Smith vehemently denied them, calling them 'ludicrous' and accusing Democrats of creating a 'coordinated attack' against him.
However, 100 of the signatures on his petition to get on last year's Republican primary ballot, along with corresponding addresses, obviously look like they were all written by the same person. And some of the people whose names were on the petition told the court that they never signed it.
Smith took no accountability for the allegedly fraudulent signatures and said that he dropped out of the race because didn't want to spend tens of thousands defending himself in the civil elections challenge — as well as a possible criminal case for forgery.
Ironically, Smith was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives Municipal Oversight and Elections Committee, where he decried unproven election fraud in Maricopa County, and has even made jokes accusing county officials of mail-in ballot signature fraud on social media.
'Signature verification in Maricopa County is a joke,' Smith wrote on Twitter in May 2023.
Smith was one of the many Arizona Republicans who falsely claimed without evidence that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from President Donald Trump.
'What happened on November 3rd, 2020 in Maricopa County continues to be a national disgrace and embarrassment,' Smith wrote on his website. 'Not only that, Austin believes it was criminal and will fight every day in the State Legislature to hold those responsible to account.'
Multiple audits, including a highly partisan review orchestrated by Arizona Senate Republicans, found no discrepancies in the election. Fraud allegations made in court in the days and weeks following the 2020 election were all rejected because there was no evidence backing up the claims.
Neither Turning Point USA Action nor Smith immediately responded to a request for comment.
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hill
25 minutes ago
- The Hill
GOP senator on DC carjacking fears: ‘I don't buckle up'
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) on Wednesday expressed his fear of being carjacked in the nation's capital, as the Trump administration ramps up its federal takeover of local law enforcement. 'And by the way, I'm not joking when I say this, I drive around in Washington, D.C., in my Jeep, and yes, I do drive myself, and I don't buckle up. And the reason why I don't buckle up, and people can say whatever they want to, they can raise their eyebrows at me again, is because of carjacking,' Mullin said during an appearance on Fox News's 'The Ingraham Angle.' 'I don't want to be stuck in my vehicle when I need to exit in a hurry, because I got a seatbelt around me and that — and I wear my seatbelt all the time,' he told host Brian Kilmeade, in a clip highlighted by Mediaite. 'But in Washington, D.C., I do not, because it is so prevalent of carjacking,' the Oklahoma Republican continued. 'And I don't want the same thing [to] happen to me what's happened to a lot of people that work on the hill.' President Trump announced earlier this week that his administration was taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deployed hundreds of National Guard soldiers to the area to combat crime and violence in the city. The move, sparked after a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer was attacked by teenagers during a carjacking — has received heavy blowback from Democrats and local officials. A provision in Washington's ' Home Rule Act ' allows the president to federalize the police force for up to 30 days — but any additional time requires Congressional approval. During a speech Wednesday from the Kennedy Center, Trump said he will seek a 'long-term' extension. 'Well, if it's a national emergency, we can do it without Congress,' Trump said, when asked about whether he's talked to lawmakers about extending the takeover. He added that he expects meet with Congress 'very quickly' and snag GOP support. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) signaled in a post online Wednesday that he and fellow Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) were working with the Trump administration on a safety package for the district. 'Together, we will try to shepherd the DC Security Fund through Congress to give President Trump the resources he will need to improve the safety and quality of life in our nation's capital,' he wrote on social platform X. 'Every American should be behind this effort to make Washington, DC clean and safe so that it can truly become the shining city on the hill.' For such a move to advance, however, it would likely need support from some Senate Democrats. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) made clear that his caucus would not back the measure. 'No f‑‑‑ing way,' he told podcast host Aaron Parnas. 'We'll fight him tooth and nail. … He needs to get Congress to approve it, and not only are we not going to approve it, but there are some Republicans who don't like either.' D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has also pushed back on Trump's moves, calling them an 'authoritarian push' as data shows the crime rate declining in the nation's capital. The mayor has also used the national attention as a platform to reup the district's quest to gain statehood.
Politico
43 minutes ago
- Politico
Pritzker rallies Dems: No more funk
Happy Thursday, Illinois. Step right up, folks, and get ready for another day at the Illinois State Fair. TOP TALKER SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Gov. JB Pritzker offered a blueprint Wednesday for how Democrats might climb out of the political funk that's loomed over their party since the 2024 election. Pushing back: Addressing more than a thousand guests at the Bank of Springfield Center, Pritzker poked at the national pundits, consultants and strategists who have been picking apart the Democratic Party, claiming it's lost its way. Pritzker's answer: End the pity-party and follow Illinois' lead. 'To those who are wondering what's next for the Democratic Party: She's alive and well and stronger than ever and right here living in the great state of Illinois,' Pritzker said, pointing to legislative wins and Democrats putting a priority on 'values.' Simply, said Pritzker: 'It's time to stop surrendering when we need to fight. And yes, folks, we are messing with Texas,' a reference, of course, to the Texas House Democrats staying in Illinois to protest a GOP redistricting bill in Texas. The morning event included high-profile speeches followed by a barbecue on Democrats' day at the fairgrounds — with more speeches Sen. Tammy Duckworth, who received the most extended applause from the morning crowd, called on Democrats 'to channel our outrage to action.' And Hakeem Jeffries, the U.S. House Democratic leader and headliner of the morning event, ticked off his own playbook for 2026: 'We have to continue to do more, more rallies, more demonstrations, more protests, more press conferences, more speeches on the House floor, more speeches on the Senate floor, more town hall meetings … and more extraordinary actions like those being taken by courageous Texas Democrats.' Senate intrigue: The three top Democratic U.S. Senate candidates — Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi — jockeyed for attention on stage and with the press corps, each holding a gaggle. Speaking of the Senate race: Don Tracy jumps in on GOP side, by the State Journal Register's Steven Spearie And Sen. Dick Durbin drew a laugh when he reminded the breakfast crowd that he's not out of office yet. The veteran senator, who isn't seeking reelection next year, reflected on how integral the party has been in his life going back to his childhood in East St. Louis. 'We were Catholics, members of unions, ate fried chicken after church on Sundays, drove Ford automobiles — and we were Democrats.' SIDENOTE: Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside of the Bank of Springfield Center where Jeffries spoke Wednesday, and his speech was interrupted three times by three different protesters, who were escorted out of the arena. RELATED At Illinois State Fair, Democrats celebrate state as a leader of the Trump resistance: And they lashed out at the Republican administration and its allies in Congress 'in an effort to regain party momentum for next year's midterm elections,' by the Tribune's Rick Pearson, Jeremy Gorner and Olivia Olander. 'Fair play:' Democratic Senate candidates jockey for Durbin's seat on Governor's Day at state fair: 'All three major Senate Democratic candidates have said they've spoken to Durbin about an endorsement, but it's unclear whether the senator will choose a side in a competitive race that is also becoming one of the most expensive in the country,' by the Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles and Mitchell Armentrout. Indiana House Dems join Texas House Dems to stand against mid-decade redistricting, by the Post-Tribune's Alexandra Kukulka 'No plan at this point' to go home, says Texas Dem at Chicago Planned Parenthood event, by the Daily Herald's Marni Pyke THE BUZZ UNITY GAP: Wednesday was a day of party unity for Democrats from across the state — but an empty seat from Chicago's City Hall spoke its own kind of politics. Mayor Brandon Johnson didn't make the trip to Springfield, and we didn't see anyone from his team, either, a point that was noticed by a few folks. Johnson's spokespeople didn't return a request for comment. 'I think it's really important that we're working to build bridges with our statewide colleagues in Springfield,' said Ald. Bill Conway, who made the trip along with fellow Chicago City Council members Michelle Harris, Matt Martin, Emma Mitts and David Moore Money matters: Conway noted the state recently handed the city a $4 billion pension liability. 'It doesn't seem like there was really any collaboration from city government on that,' he said, flagging the looming transit fiscal cliff as another fiscal storm cloud. It's about face time: 'Maybe I'm old-school,' Harris said. 'When Democrats have an opportunity to get together and spend time together, we should be in that space solidifying our relationships any chance we get.' If you are Brandon Johnson, Playbook would like to hear from you! Email: skapos@ WHERE'S JB At AFL-CIO Headquarters in Springfield at 10:30 a.m. to sign worker rights bills WHERE's BRANDON At Little Village Park at 6:45 p.m. for the community bash event Where's Toni At the Cook County Building at 10 a.m. with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways to announce $8.27 million in grant funding for 32 Invest in Cook projects — At Dr. Jorge Prieto Health Center at 4 p.m. with Congressman Jesús 'Chuy' García for the 50th anniversary of the South Lawndale Health Center Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a (gasp!) complaint? Email skapos@ SPOTLIGHT There's a battle brewing between two of the state's most powerful Democrats — House Speaker Emanuel 'Chris' Welch and Senate President Don Harmon. They're both eyeing the state central committeeperson seat now held by Congressman Danny Davis, who says he's not seeking reelection to the committee or to his congressional seat. It's not unusual for Illinois General Assembly folks to run for the central committee. What is unusual: Both Welch and Harmon live in same 7th Congressional District in the western suburbs. Who's in: Welch has already announced he's running. But Harmon hasn't made it official, saying he's still 'evaluating' — though he did acknowledge already having gathered nearly all the signatures he needs on his petitions. They both downplayed the idea of a potential power struggle, report the Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout and Tina Sfondeles. 'I don't think there's a fissure,' Welch told the Sun-Times. Says Harmon: 'We worked for a long time with a state party that didn't serve the entire state, and it's important to me that the Democratic Party of Illinois serve the entirety of the Democratic Party apparatus, not just the Illinois House.' BUSINESS OF POLITICS — Harsh message: Jim Rule, chair of the Tazewell County GOP, sent out a message to members Wednesday with an ominous message: 'The situation with the Illinois Republican Party is grim. People are fed up and morale is low. There is no confidence in our ability to WIN and with the Democrats imploding all over the state, we are not prepared to turn this state RED,' he wrote. We'll see how it plays out during today's Republican Day at the Fair. — Joe Cervantez has launched his bid for Illinois attorney general on the Republican ticket: The former Jackson County state's attorney says he'll announce his candidacy today at the State Fair, by the Southern's Paul Wilcoxen. — Jumping in: State Sen. Mary Edly-Allen is running for the open seat for State Central Committeewoman for Illinois' 10th Congressional District. Edly-Allen is also president of Lake County Democratic Women. 'We need leadership that bridges divides, lifts up new voices, and keeps us moving forward — and that's the work I am committed to continue to do.' — In IL-07: Dr. Thomas Fisher says he raised $175,000 in the first 24 hours after announcing his campaign for Illinois' 7th Congressional District, according to his team. Fisher is a Democrat. — State House endorsements: Demi Palecek, a Democrat running for the 13th District House seat, has been endorsed by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, City Clerk of Chicago Anna Valencia and 1st Ward Committeeperson Laura Yepez. 'Demi's a [military] veteran who has consistently demonstrated her leadership and commitment to our Democracy. Her unique perspective and dedication to upholding equality and justice are precisely why we need to send her to Springfield to fight for us,' said Schakowsky in a statement. — Endorsements: The 43rd Ward Democrats and Committeeman Lucy Moog are endorsing Paul Kendrick for state representative for the 12th District and Catherine 'Cat' Sharp for Cook County commissioner for the 12th District. The committee selected Kendrick 'for his pragmatic approach to government' and Sharp 'for her deep understanding of the county's budgeting process and priorities,' according to a statement. — He's in: Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton announced he's running for a third term to represent the county's 14th District. ILLINOIS' POPE — Pope Leo XIV-themed bus tour kicks off Thursday at Holy Name Cathedral: 'The tour also includes stops at Pope Leo's birthplace in Bronzeville, the former Mercy Hospital, and the Catholic Theological Union seminary in Hyde Park, where he trained for the priesthood,' by the Sun-Times' Selena Kuznikov. CHICAGO — CPS budget plan hedges on city pension payment, but some board members are insisting it be paid: 'In its plan to close a $734 million deficit out Wednesday, CPS officials proposed cutting operations, refinancing debt and spending down a reserve fund. They didn't propose a loan,' by WBEZ's Sarah Karp — CPS banking on TIF funding, pension contingency to keep cuts out of classrooms in latest budget plan, by WTTW's Matt Masterson — Lawsuit alleges Lettuce Entertain You staged a 'corporate coup': Business partner Gerard Centioli files lawsuit alleging Rich Melman fraudulently transferred ownership, by Crain's Brandon Dupré. — State's attorney's office declines to file charges against CPD officers in Dexter Reed shooting: 'State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke said the 'evidence is clear and overwhelming' that prosecutors would not be able to meet their burden of proof, calling the scene 'terrifying and chaotic'... 'What happened that evening was a tragedy,'' by the Tribune's Madeline Buckley and Sam Charles. Reader Digest We asked what one thing from the federal government would you cut. Mike Gascoigne: 'Military spending.' John Huebler: 'Retirement benefits for members of Congress.' Charles Keller: 'The IRS. 14 billion to collect your money is way too much.' Fabrice Guyot-Sionnest: 'The military! Our global capabilities are very important, but the DOD budget is massive, and it has never passed an audit. We should be investing in life instead of death.' NEXT QUESTION: What's one fun fact about Illinois culture that everyone should know? THE NATIONAL TAKE — A GOP divide is growing over Trump's redistricting play, by POLITICO's Lisa Kashinsky and Meredith Lee Hill — Trump floats circumventing Congress to maintain control of D.C. police, by POLITICO's Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing — Gaza is already emerging as a foreign policy litmus test for 2028 Dems, by Adam Wren, Elena Schneider and Holly Otterbein EVENTS — Friday: Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton will host the 'Standing Up for Illinois: Protecting Women' roundtable. Also on the panel: Deputy Gov Grace Hou, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President Tonya Tucker and Women Employed CEO Cherita Ellens. Details here — Wednesday: Town Hall with Congressman Bill Foster and State Rep. Dave Vella on Wednesday. Details here TRIVIA WEDNESDAY's ANSWER: The Kaskaskia River's name derives from the old Miami-Illinois tribe's word for a katydid. TODAY's QUESTION: Who had the longest non-consecutive tenure of any Illinois congressperson? Email to: skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Former state Rep. Adam Brown, American Red Cross of Illinois CEO Kellie O'Connell, JPMorgan Chase philanthropy leader Charlie Corrigan, Diversified Search Group's Sonya Olds Som, Res Publica Group VP Kevin Owens, JP Morgan Banker VP Jeremy Wynes and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois comms exec Nicole Stickel -30-
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Trump administration to unveil tougher solar and wind subsidy rules
By Nichola Groom (Reuters) -The Trump administration is expected as soon as Monday to take another step toward curbing the growth of renewable energy in the United States by making it harder for companies to claim federal tax subsidies for wind and solar energy. The Treasury Department next week will reach a 45-day deadline, set by U.S. President Donald Trump in July, to revise rules governing who can qualify for clean energy tax credits that the Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act is phasing out years earlier than planned. The rule under scrutiny centers around what it means for a project to be considered under construction, a definition that is critical to companies building facilities that require years of planning. The OBBBA requires projects to begin construction by July of next year or enter service by the end of 2027 to qualify for a 30% tax credit and bonuses that can push the subsidy even higher. Under previous law, the credits were available through 2032. In an executive order last month, three days after signing the OBBBA into law, Trump directed Treasury to restrict the use of safe harbors, rules that have allowed project owners for years to claim tax credits so long as they incur 5% of their costs or make meaningful physical progress before the credit expires. Washington policy advisory firm Capstone said it could see Treasury requiring developers to incur a higher percentage of costs, such as 10% or 15%. Under the physical work requirement, the agency could exclude off-site construction or require more contact with the government and proof of continuous work. The Treasury Department did not respond to a request for comment. Tightening the requirements would be the latest in a string of steps the administration has taken to stall development of wind and solar energy, which Trump says are unreliable, expensive, and dependent on Chinese supply chains. According to advisory firm Clean Energy Associates, the United States could lose about 60 gigawatts of planned solar capacity through 2030 if stricter "beginning of construction" rules are implemented. That would be enough electricity to power about 10 million homes. Project developers and financiers have leaned on the tax credit rules to guide their investment and construction decisions for the last decade. "The executive order and the uncertainty has actually had a more negative impact than the legislation itself," said Reagan Farr, CEO of solar project developer Silicon Ranch. In the six weeks since the executive order, some companies have stalled progress, while others have ramped up activity to start as many projects as possible, said Javad Asghari, a partner with the law firm Simpson Thacher who focuses on energy and infrastructure projects. Aaron Halimi, founder and president of San Francisco-based solar project developer Renewable Properties, described measures his company has taken to protect its access to subsidies he fears could be at risk. "We've taken many steps to safe harbor a large portion of our pipeline of projects we plan to deliver between now and end of 2029," Halimi said, including buying transformers and American-made panels, and increasing lines of credit for purchasing equipment. Solve the daily Crossword
