Talarico’s 12-day absence from trail becomes fodder for GOP in Texas Senate race

Texas Senate Race Focuses on Talarico’s 12-Day Absence

Earthguardiansonline.com – Talarico’s 12-day absence from public campaign events has become a fresh point of attack in Texas’ closely watched Senate race. Democratic nominee James Talarico has been recovering from the flu, while Republican nominee and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has used the break in his opponent’s schedule to rally supporters.

At a San Antonio event on Wednesday, Paxton encouraged attendees to question why Talarico had not recently appeared on the campaign trail. His campaign has repeated the message online as Election Day nears.

“Where is James Talarico?”

President Donald Trump also criticized Talarico in a Truth Social post, calling him “MISSING IN ACTION” and urging him to debate Paxton. Talarico’s campaign says the candidate’s time away was temporary and tied to his illness.

Talarico Says Flu Kept Him Off the Trail

Campaign spokesperson JT Ennis said Talarico became sick after a demanding stretch of events across Texas. Ennis said the Democrat had held more than 100 public events and shaken tens of thousands of hands before coming down with the flu.

“After holding more than 100 public events and shaking tens of thousands of hands, James came down with the flu but will be back on the trail this weekend,” Ennis said.

Talarico publicly discussed his diagnosis on September 30 during a remote appearance before the United States Hispanic Business Council. He had been expected to attend the Edinburg gathering in person, but instead addressed the audience by video from Dallas.

He said he had gone to urgent care after feeling increasingly ill and was diagnosed with the flu. Talarico said he was running a fever and did not want to expose others while he was contagious, suggesting that frequent travel and handshaking may have contributed to his illness.

Before Talarico’s 12-day absence, his last public Texas event was September 26 at a Carrollton gas station. There, he called for suspending the federal gas and diesel tax and ending the war with Iran, presenting both proposals as ways to ease financial pressure on Texas households.

Paxton Keeps Up Appearances and Debate Pressure

Paxton continued campaigning around the state while Talarico recovered. Along with Trump’s San Antonio rally, he attended four other events, including an appearance with the United States Hispanic Business Council and Trump’s event in Denton.

Trump used his Denton remarks to joke about Paxton before later calling for a debate between the two nominees. Paxton’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment about the proposed forum.

“He should immediately report to a Debate Stage against Ken Paxton, who is ready, willing, and able,” Trump wrote.

Talarico has already urged Paxton to join several debates, including one on Fox News. He is scheduled to participate in a Fort Worth town hall on Wednesday, October 14, hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media; Paxton has also been invited.

Texas Senate Race FAQ

Why was James Talarico away from campaign events? Talarico’s campaign says he was recovering from the flu after an extensive period of public appearances and travel.

What has Ken Paxton said about the absence? Paxton has highlighted the time away from public events in campaign appearances and social media messaging.

When is Talarico expected to return to public events? His campaign said he would return to the trail that weekend, and he is scheduled for the October 14 Fort Worth town hall.

Will Talarico and Paxton debate? Both sides have discussed debates, but no confirmed head-to-head debate was announced in the information available. The Fort Worth town hall has invited both candidates.