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

Texas Senate Race Focuses on Talarico’s Campaign Pause

Healfromzero.com – Talarico s 12 day absence from public campaigning has become a new point of attack in Texas’ closely watched Senate race. Democrat James Talarico is expected to return to the campaign trail this weekend after recovering from the flu, while Republican Ken Paxton’s campaign has highlighted the break in appearances.

Talarico and Paxton are competing for the Senate seat held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton defeated Cornyn in the GOP primary in May, and polling has suggested the general election could be closer than many Republicans expected in a state President Donald Trump carried by double digits in 2024.

At a Wednesday rally in San Antonio, Paxton drew attention to Talarico’s time away from public events and asked supporters where his Democratic opponent had been. Paxton’s campaign also amplified that message on social media.

“Where is James Talarico?”

Trump addressed the issue on Truth Social, calling Talarico “MISSING IN ACTION” and urging the candidates to debate. His message added fresh attention to Talarico s 12 day absence as the race moves into its final weeks.

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

Campaign Says Illness Caused the Break

Talarico’s campaign said he became sick after an intensive schedule that included more than 100 public events and meetings with tens of thousands of Texans. JT Ennis, a spokesperson for the campaign, said Talarico would resume campaigning this weekend.

“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 Thursday.

Talarico publicly disclosed his flu diagnosis on September 30 during a virtual appearance before the United States Hispanic Business Council. He had been expected to attend the gathering in Edinburg in person but participated by video instead, saying he had sought care at an urgent care facility in Dallas and wanted to avoid exposing others while contagious.

His latest public Texas event before the illness was September 26 in Carrollton. Speaking at a gas station, Talarico called for suspending the federal gas and diesel tax and ending the war with Iran, framing both proposals as responses to affordability pressures.

A campaign source said Talarico attended a private New York City fundraiser on September 28 featuring actor Robert De Niro. The campaign has said he withdrew from public events after becoming ill and seeking medical care. Talarico s 12 day absence has nevertheless given opponents an opening to challenge his campaign’s momentum.

Debate Questions Remain in the Texas Senate Contest

Paxton continued making public appearances while Talarico was away from the public trail. He spoke at Trump’s San Antonio rally, attended other campaign events, joined a conversation with the United States Hispanic Business Council and appeared at the president’s Denton event.

Talarico has challenged Paxton to multiple debates, including one on Fox News. Paxton’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment on Trump’s call for a debate, and the window for arranging a matchup is narrowing as Election Day approaches.

Talarico is scheduled to participate in a town hall in Fort Worth on Wednesday, October 14, hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media. Paxton has also been invited, offering both candidates a potential chance to address voters directly.

Texas Senate Race FAQ

Why was James Talarico off the campaign trail? Talarico’s campaign said he had the flu after a busy stretch of campaign events. He disclosed the diagnosis during a virtual appearance on September 30.

When is Talarico expected to return to campaigning? His campaign said he would return to public campaigning this weekend after recovering.

Will Talarico and Paxton debate? Talarico has sought several debates, while Trump has urged a matchup. A Fort Worth town hall on October 14 could provide an opportunity for both candidates to appear before voters if Paxton participates.