President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Friday to demand answers from Texas Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico, who vanished from the campaign trail for what the candidate described as a severe case of the flu. “TalaFREAKo has been missing for 12 days!” Trump wrote, questioning whether a simple flu could keep a candidate away for that long.
Trump’s criticism amid a tight Senate race
Trump’s post came as the Senate contest between Talarico and incumbent Attorney General Ken Paxton tightens. The President praised Paxton as “the Greatest Attorney General in the History of Texas” and a proven champion for voters, contrasting that with Talarico’s unexplained absence.
Talarico resurfaces at Austin City Limits
After the criticism, Talarico reappeared on Friday at the Austin City Limits Music Festival, greeting supporters and posting a video of his walk through the crowds. His campaign spokesperson, JT Ennis, posted on X that the Democrat was “still alive and meeting with voters at ACL today,” directly addressing the conspiracy‑theorist chatter that had swirled online.
Campaign’s explanation of the gap
The campaign maintains that the 12‑day gap is overstated. While Talarico missed in‑person events after a September 26 news conference in Carrollton, the campaign notes he participated in a Zoom meeting with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council on September 30 and traveled to a fundraiser in New York City on September 28. Those virtual and out‑of‑state engagements, the campaign argues, reduce the effective absence to roughly nine days.
Record of campaign activity
Before the flu diagnosis, Talarico’s team reported more than 100 public campaign events across Texas, a robust schedule that the campaign says demonstrates his commitment to reaching voters throughout the state. The candidate has pledged to resume a full in‑person schedule through the weekend ahead of an October 14 CNN town hall.
Paxton joins the attack
Attorney General Ken Paxton also seized on the episode, asking “Where is James Talarico?” during a rally in San Antonio. The criticism aligns with the broader Republican narrative that the Democratic challenger lacks the stamina and reliability needed for the Senate seat.
What this means for Texas voters
For Texas voters, the episode underscores the high‑stakes nature of the race. While the Trump administration continues to champion strong, proven leadership in Texas, Democratic hopefuls like Talarico must demonstrate both health and consistency to earn trust. The upcoming town hall and upcoming campaign events will likely be scrutinized for any further lapses.
Looking ahead
With the election still months away, both campaigns are intensifying outreach. Trump’s direct involvement signals the importance the Republican base places on this seat, while Talarico’s return to the trail aims to reassure supporters that the flu setback was temporary. Voters will watch closely as the candidates vie for the state’s Senate representation.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
