‘I had the flu’: Talarico returns to campaign trail and dismisses theories about absence
Talarico Says “I Had the Flu” Upon Returning to Texas Campaign Trail
Qwenews.com – “I had the flu,” Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico said as he returned to in-person campaign events, rejecting claims from Republican opponents that his temporary absence reflected a larger problem with his campaign.
Talarico, a state representative running against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a closely watched Senate race, said he had been recovering from an illness while continuing to work remotely with campaign staff. He said he held meetings from home through Zoom during that period.
“I had the flu. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. It’s wild that someone can just post something on the internet and then the media just runs with it,” Talarico said during an appearance on MS NOW.
Return to Public Events in Austin and Dallas
Talarico resumed public-facing activity over the weekend, speaking with people at the Austin City Limits music festival on Friday. The next night, he appeared in the front row at a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas.
He had disclosed a flu diagnosis on September 30 during a virtual appearance before the United States Hispanic Business Council. Talarico had been expected to attend that event in person, but said he began feeling sick and visited an urgent care facility in Dallas.
Before the weekend appearances, his most recent public campaign activity had been a Texas press conference on September 26. A campaign source said he later attended a private New York City fundraiser on September 28 that included actor Robert DeNiro.
Paxton Campaign Questions Talarico’s Absence
The break from public events became a point of attack for Paxton and allied Republicans. Paxton’s campaign posted social media messages saying Talarico was “nowhere to be seen,” and supporters at a San Antonio rally chanted, “Where is James Talarico?” President Donald Trump also called Talarico “MISSING IN ACTION” in a Truth Social post.
Talarico dismissed the criticism as part of the “silly season in our politics.” He redirected attention to Paxton’s position on a possible debate, joking that reports of the attorney general’s supposed medical issue amounted to “clinical levels of cowardice.”
“He has asked for proof of life from me, I’m asking for proof of spine from him,” Talarico said.
The dispute highlights competing campaign messages in a high-profile statewide contest. Talarico says his absence was caused by flu recovery, while Paxton’s side has argued that voters should question the Democrat’s campaign visibility and availability.
Fort Worth Town Hall Could Test Both Campaigns
Talarico’s return comes before a Wednesday evening town hall in Fort Worth hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media. Erin Burnett is set to moderate the live event, and Paxton has also been invited to participate.
The town hall could give Texas voters a major opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as the Senate race advances. It may also keep the focus on Talarico’s return to the trail and on whether Paxton agrees to appear at an event that could serve as a public test of their competing arguments.
Texas Campaign FAQ
Why was James Talarico away from public campaign events? Talarico said, “I had the flu,” and that he was recovering while working remotely with his campaign team.
Where did Talarico return to public campaigning? He appeared at the Austin City Limits music festival and attended a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas.
What is the next scheduled public event? Talarico is expected at a Wednesday evening town hall in Fort Worth hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media, where Paxton has also been invited.
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