Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico resumes campaigning after flu-related hiatus
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James Talarico returned to the Texas campaign trail on Friday following a brief absence due to the flu that had drawn criticism from his opponent, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico was back on the campaign trail in Austin on Friday, speaking with voters at the Austin City Limits festival, according to a statement from his campaign spokesperson JT Ennis. Social-media footage showed the candidate walking the festival grounds.
Talarico had disclosed on Sept. 30 that he was ill and had to participate virtually in a forum. He later said he visited urgent care in Dallas after developing flu symptoms, describing himself as "running a fever" and "most contagious" at the time.
During the days he was absent, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign repeatedly requested a "proof of life" photo and a newspaper with a current date, while Sen. Ted Cruz shared a meme featuring a milk carton with Talarico’s image and the word "MISSING."
The candidate’s last in-person appearance before the hiatus was on Sept. 26, and he traveled to New York for a private fundraiser on Sept. 29 before returning to Dallas. His return to the stump comes as the election enters its final weeks.