PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Austin Smith (R-LD 29) Withdraws from the 2024 Primary Ballot

WEST VALLEY - This morning, in the face of concerning and credible allegations that he committed fraud on his candidate nomination petition by personally forging voter signatures, Rep. Austin Smith chose to remove himself from the 2024 primary ballot rather than defend himself in court.

“We are deeply disturbed that Rep. Smith has withdrawn instead of defending his actions on the allegations of such serious and concerning fraud. If true, his actions are a betrayal of voters in his district and all Arizonans. Fraud is a serious offense, and we are encouraged that the Secretary of State has referred the allegations against Rep. Smith to the Arizona Attorney General for further investigation. Arizona voters deserve the same accountability, transparency, and elections integrity that Smith has long claimed to champion.” said ADLCC Co-Chair Sen. Priya Sundareshan. 

Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman, a Republican, has already called for the immediate resignation of Smith.