Texas Senate Race Heats Up as Democratic Candidate Returns After Flu
Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico, absent for 12 days due to the flu, rejoined the campaign trail, while Republican opponent Ken Paxton and President Donald Trump highlighted his absence.
Democratic candidate James Talarico resumed campaign activities after a 12-day hiatus caused by a flu diagnosis, returning to the trail ahead of the October 14 town hall in Fort Worth. The pause, which began after he sought urgent care in Dallas, prompted Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton to question his opponent’s whereabouts at a San Antonio rally, leading to chants of “Where is James Talarico?” and social-media posts from Paxton’s campaign. President Donald Trump also referenced the issue on his Truth Social platform, labeling Talarico “missing in action” and urging a debate.
Talarico’s campaign explained that the illness forced him to cancel in-person events, including a scheduled fundraiser in New York, but said he would be back on the road over the weekend. Spokesperson JT Ennis criticized Paxton for focusing on “billionaire megadonors and special interests” rather than voters.
The two candidates are locked in a close contest for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican John Cornyn. A recent poll showed Talarico leading by six points, while GOP advertising expenditures in Texas have exceeded $190 million since September, compared with about $52 million spent by Democrats.