Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico returns to campaign after flu-related hiatus
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James Talarico reappeared at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday, ending a near-two-week absence that had drawn criticism from opponents in the Texas U.S. Senate race.
Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico resumed public campaigning on Friday, appearing among supporters at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin, Texas. The appearance followed a period of nearly two weeks during which the candidate was not seen at any in-person events.
Talarico’s campaign said the hiatus was caused by a severe case of the flu. The campaign also noted that the candidate participated in a virtual meeting with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council on Sept. 30, reducing the length of his physical absence to about nine days.
The candidate, who is challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton for the Senate seat, had last held an in-person news conference on Sept. 26 in Carrollton and attended a fundraiser in New York City on Sept. 28 before announcing his illness.
Republican officials, including President Donald Trump, questioned Talarico’s whereabouts during the period. > "MISSING IN ACTION," Trump wrote on his social platform, adding that the candidate had claimed to have the flu.
Ken Paxton also raised the issue at a rally in San Antonio, asking, "Where is James Talarico?"
Talarico’s team confirmed that the candidate plans to resume a full in-person schedule over the coming weekend ahead of an October 14 town hall hosted by CNN. The campaign highlighted that, prior to his illness, Talarico had completed more than 100 public events across Texas.