AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico reemerged on the campaign trail over the weekend, dismissing conservative online speculation about his recent absence by stating he was simply recovering from the flu, according to multiple news reports.
Talarico returned to public appearances Friday when he met voters at the Austin City Limits music festival, followed by an appearance at a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas on Saturday. The Texas state representative had not made an in-person campaign stop in the state since Sept. 26, though a campaign source told CNN he attended a private New York fundraiser on Sept. 28 featuring actor Robert De Niro. On Sept. 30, Talarico spoke virtually at a United States Hispanic Business Council event, disclosing that he had visited an urgent care facility in Dallas after falling ill with influenza.
Pushing Back Against Online Claims
During his days away from the stump, conservative commentators and political opponents amplified theories about his location. One online claim alleged that Talarico was admitted to the Lindner Center of Hope in Ohio for treatment, NBC News reported. The facility denied the claim on social media Sunday, confirming Talarico had never received care there.
In an interview with MS NOW, Talarico characterized the online rumors as “silly season in our politics” and criticized the media environment for rewarding unverified claims. Speaking to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth on Sunday, Talarico said he remained in bed drinking liquids while working remotely via video conferences. He called the experience a reminder that voters cannot trust everything published online, adding that he did not want to risk infecting others on the campaign trail.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Talarico’s Republican opponent in the tightly contested race, had capitalized on the absence. Paxton urged supporters to seek “proof of life” and launched a telephone tipline requesting sightings of the Democrat, FOX 7 Austin reported. At a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday, Paxton led attendees in chants questioning where Talarico had gone. Former President Donald Trump, stumping alongside Paxton, also posted on social media calling Talarico absent and demanding he face Paxton on stage.
Debate Standoff Continues
Rather than retreating from the clash, Talarico used his return to pressure Paxton over candidate debates. Talarico noted that he agreed with Trump that the two contenders should debate, arguing Paxton has avoided scheduling an encounter despite formal media invitations.
“Ken Paxton has asked for proof of life for me. I’m asking for proof of spine from him,” Talarico told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
Paxton continued to question his rival’s medical explanation on Sunday evening, telling Fox News that he doubted the truthfulness of Talarico’s account. No debates have been officially scheduled between the two candidates. According to NBC News, Talarico has accepted multiple debate invitations from media organizations, while Paxton has not agreed to terms.
Talarico is scheduled to participate in a televised town hall Wednesday night in Fort Worth hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media. Organizers have extended an open invitation to Paxton to take part as well, though it remains unclear whether the attorney general will appear.
