Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico reappears at Austin City Limits after flu-related hiatus
James Talarico, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, was seen at Austin City Limits on Friday following a nine-day absence attributed to the flu, as confirmed by his campaign.
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico was observed interacting with voters at Austin City Limits on Friday afternoon, ending a nine-day period without in-person campaign events. His campaign confirmed his presence at the festival, and a video posted on X by a Texas Monthly contributor showed him shaking hands and taking photographs with attendees.
Earlier that day, the campaign announced that Talarico had been battling the flu and expected to resume campaigning over the weekend. The candidate had not made a public appearance since a September 26 event in Carrollton and a subsequent State Fair visit, prompting speculation on social media.
On September 30, Talarico was scheduled for an in-person interview in Edinburg but participated virtually, explaining his condition. > "I was starting to feel under the weather a few days ago, and last night, it got so bad that I went to the urgent care in Dallas, and I was diagnosed with the flu," he said. > "So, I'm running a fever and at my most contagious right now."
Republican figures, including President Donald Trump and Senate candidate Ken Paxton, referenced his absence during a rally in San Antonio. The flu diagnosis comes as early voting for the Senate race is set to begin on October 19. Talarico is slated to attend a fundraiser in Dallas on Sunday evening.