Talarico Returns to Texas Campaign Trail After Flu Recovery
Sandego.net – “I had the flu,” Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico said as he returned to public campaigning after several days away from in-person events. Talarico said he continued working remotely with campaign staff while recovering and dismissed online theories about his absence.
The state representative’s break from public appearances became a point of attack for Republicans in the closely watched Senate race against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico said speculation about his schedule had spread far beyond the facts of his illness.
“I had the flu. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard,” Talarico said Sunday. “It’s wild that someone can just post something on the internet and then the media just runs with it.”
Campaign Work Continued During Recovery
Talarico said he was diagnosed with the flu on September 30 after feeling sick and visiting an urgent-care facility in Dallas. He disclosed the illness during a virtual appearance with the United States Hispanic Business Council, where he had initially been expected to appear in person.
While recovering at home, Talarico said he held Zoom meetings with campaign staff. Before stepping back from public events, his most recent in-person campaign appearance had been a Texas press conference on September 26. A campaign source said he later attended a private New York City fundraiser on September 28 that included actor Robert DeNiro.
His return to the trail included remarks at the Austin City Limits music festival on Friday. On Saturday, he was seen in the front row at a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas.
Republicans Turn Absence Into a Campaign Issue
Paxton and other Republicans highlighted Talarico’s absence during the campaign’s closing stretch. At a San Antonio rally on Wednesday, Paxton encouraged supporters to chant, “Where is James Talarico?” His campaign also posted repeatedly on social media about Talarico’s lack of public appearances.
President Donald Trump added to the criticism in a Truth Social post calling Talarico “MISSING IN ACTION.” The episode showed how a short pause in a candidate’s public schedule can quickly become a political flashpoint in a competitive statewide race.
Talarico argued that the attacks reflected what he called the “silly season in our politics.” He used his return to shift attention toward Paxton’s decision not to agree to a debate.
“I’ve heard credible reports that Ken Paxton has a serious medical condition that causes clinical levels of cowardice,” Talarico joked. “He has asked for proof of life from me, I’m asking for proof of spine from him.”
Fort Worth Town Hall Could Bring New Attention to the Race
Talarico’s return comes ahead of a Wednesday evening town hall in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media and moderated by Erin Burnett. Paxton has also been invited to participate.
Whether the candidates will meet in a traditional debate remains unresolved. Talarico has pressed Paxton to take part, while Paxton’s campaign has focused on questioning Talarico’s recent campaign schedule.
The Senate race could affect the balance of power in Washington, increasing pressure on both campaigns to keep voters focused on their competing messages. Talarico is seeking to move beyond questions about his health, while Paxton’s allies continue to use the absence as a campaign contrast.
Texas Senate Race FAQ
Why was James Talarico away from public campaign events?
Talarico said he had the flu and was recovering after receiving a diagnosis on September 30. He said he continued campaign work remotely while away from in-person events.
When did Talarico return to the campaign trail?
He resumed public appearances over the weekend, including an appearance connected to the Austin City Limits music festival and a visit to a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas.
Will James Talarico and Ken Paxton debate?
No traditional debate agreement has been announced. Both candidates have been invited to a Wednesday town hall in Fort Worth hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media.
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