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

Talarico’s 12-Day Absence Fuels Texas Senate Debate

Activelifezero.com – Talarico s 12 day absence has become a campaign issue in the final weeks of Texas’ closely watched Senate race. Democrat James Talarico’s campaign says he has been recovering from the flu after a lengthy stretch of public events, while Republican nominee and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has criticized his time away from the trail.

At a San Antonio rally Wednesday, Paxton urged supporters to question Talarico’s whereabouts. His campaign also promoted the criticism online, and President Donald Trump called Talarico “MISSING IN ACTION” in a Truth Social post.

The dispute comes as the candidates compete for the Senate seat held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton defeated Cornyn in the Republican primary in May, and Talarico became the Democratic nominee in a race drawing national attention.

Campaign Says Talarico Will Return to Events

JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico’s campaign, said Thursday that the candidate’s absence was temporary and related to his health.

“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.

Talarico publicly discussed his diagnosis on September 30 during a virtual appearance with the United States Hispanic Business Council. He had been expected to attend the event in Edinburg, Texas, in person but instead spoke by video after seeking treatment in Dallas.

“I’m running a fever, and I’m at my most contagious right now, and I guess I’ve been shaking too many hands on the campaign trail and so I want to keep everybody safe,” Talarico told attendees.

His latest public Texas campaign event took place September 26 at a Carrollton gas station. There, he called for suspending the federal gas and diesel tax and ending the war with Iran, connecting both proposals to concerns about household costs.

Paxton Maintains a Public Campaign Schedule

As Talarico s 12 day absence has continued to draw attention, Paxton has kept making appearances across Texas. He spoke at Trump’s San Antonio event, attended four additional campaign events, participated in a discussion with the United States Hispanic Business Council, and appeared at Trump’s stop in Denton.

Trump later called for a debate between the nominees. Talarico has already sought multiple debates, including one on Fox News, though the campaign calendar is tightening with Election Day less than four weeks away.

Talarico is scheduled to participate in a CNN and Jubilee Media town hall on Wednesday, October 14, in Fort Worth. Paxton has also been invited, creating a potential opportunity for Texas voters to hear both candidates address issues in an extended format.

Polling and Spending Add Pressure to the Race

The Senate contest has attracted attention because Texas backed Trump by double digits in the 2024 presidential election, while a recent New York Times/Siena University poll showed Talarico six points ahead of Paxton. The poll is only a snapshot, but it has increased scrutiny of a statewide race where Democrats have often faced steep odds.

Talarico s 12 day absence has given Paxton a line of attack, but the campaigns remain focused on broader questions of voter outreach, affordability and the remaining public events before Election Day.

Texas Senate Race FAQ

Why was James Talarico away from the campaign trail?

His campaign said he was recovering from the flu after holding more than 100 public events and meeting tens of thousands of people.

When is Talarico expected to return to campaigning?

His campaign said he would return to the trail during the weekend following the announcement.

Where can Texas voters see the candidates next?

Talarico is scheduled for a CNN and Jubilee Media town hall in Fort Worth on October 14. Paxton has been invited to take part.