President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday to ask Texas Senate candidate James Talarico where he was, labeling the Democrat “MISSING IN ACTION.” The comment came as Talarico’s campaign confirmed he has been recovering from the flu and will return to the campaign trail this weekend.
Campaign Trail Pause
James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn, has not appeared in person for the past 12 days. After holding more than 100 public events and shaking tens of thousands of hands, the candidate said he developed flu‑like symptoms, visited urgent care in Dallas and was advised to stay home to protect others.
“I’m running a fever and I’m at my most contagious right now,” Talarico told a virtual audience of the United States Hispanic Business Council from Edinburg, Texas. He added that he plans to resume in‑person campaigning this weekend.
Republican Response
At a rally in San Antonio, Texas Attorney General and GOP Senate nominee Ken Paxton led the crowd in a chant, “Where is James Talarico?” Paxton’s campaign has amplified the question on social media, and President Trump echoed the concern, urging Talarico to “immediately report to a Debate Stage against Ken Paxton, who is ready, willing, and able.”
Trump also joked at a Denton event that he didn’t even know Paxton was present, calling the attorney general a “pain in the ass.” The President’s remarks underscore the administration’s support for Paxton’s candidacy and its confidence in the Republican message.
Candidate Rebuttals
Talarico’s spokesperson, JT Ennis, responded to the criticism by emphasizing the Democrat’s health situation and accusing Paxton of ignoring Texans. “Ken Paxton has been ignoring Texans this entire campaign, and his priorities are clear: He doesn’t answer to the people of this state — he answers to his billionaire megadonors and special interests,” Ennis said.
Despite the flu hiatus, Talarico’s campaign highlighted recent policy actions, including a September 26 press conference in Carrollton where he announced a suspension of the federal gas and diesel tax and called for an end to the war with Iran. “This is the kind of immediate action we need to provide Texans some relief at the pump in the middle of this affordability crisis,” he said.
Polls and Funding
A recent New York Times/Siena University poll shows Talarico holding a six‑point lead over Paxton. The race remains competitive, especially as Texas was won by President Trump by double digits in 2024.
GOP advertising spending in Texas from September through November exceeds $190 million, while Democrats have reserved about $52 million for the same period, reflecting the high stakes of the final campaign stretch.
Upcoming Events
Talarico is scheduled to appear at a town hall hosted by CNN and Jubilee Media on October 14 in Fort Worth. The invitation has also been extended to Paxton, setting the stage for a direct voter‑facing showdown as Election Day approaches.
With less than four weeks left before the November election, both campaigns are intensifying outreach, and the debate over Talarico’s temporary absence is likely to remain a focal point of the Republican strategy.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
