By Jakob Thorington | State Affairs
A former lawmaker who pleaded guilty to forging nomination petition signatures will be unable to run for public office for five years after his sentencing today.
Austin Smith, a former House Republican and Turning Point Action leader who withdrew his candidacy for re-election in 2024, was placed on probation for two years after pleading guilty to signing the name of a dead woman on one of his candidate nomination petitions and attempting to deceive the Secretary of State’s Office.
Smith was also charged with a $5,500 fine, which he will pay in $65 monthly payments, according to court documents.
