James Talarico's Campaign Absence Draws Scrutiny in Texas Senate Race

US Senate hopeful James Talarico of Texas (D) has been "missing" for over 12 days, reportedly due to having the flu. Some on the left have shown concerns while some on the right have criticized his absence with the crucial election coming up on Nov. 3.

"12 Days Is A Long Time": President Donald Trump on Truth Social said "TalaFREAKo has been missing for 12 days! Now, after looking for him throughout all of Texas, and beyond, probably even weirder places than anyone would think possible, he put out a statement that he has the 'flu.' 12 days is a long time to rid yourself of the so-called flu bug. What's going on? We need a Senator that's a proven Champion like one that has been, without question, the Greatest Attorney General in the History of Texas, and one of the Greatest in the U.S.A. His name is Ken Paxton, and he will never let you down!"

"Shaking Too Many Hands": Talarico, while virtually attending a forum sponsored by the United States Hispanic Business Council on Sep. 29 announced that he was diagnosed with the flu at an urgent care facility, saying "I guess I've been shaking too many hands on the campaign trail and so I want to keep everybody safe."

Proof Of Life: Talarico's opponent in the Senate race, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, posted a wanted flyer on X and said "Jimmy appears to be having a full-blown mental Tala-freak-out on the national stage. My campaign has a simple request: proof of life."

"Democrats Panic": The Daily Beast (Left bias), calling Talarico a "Democratic star," said he has been "absent" for 12 days after "contracting the flu." His absence, according to the article, has caused "Democrats [to] panic" and "to sound the alarm." The circumstances, the Beast added, are "giving his scandal-ridden Trump-endorsed opponent, Ken Paxton, ammunition ahead of the crucial election on Nov. 3."

"Privately Fretting": The New York Post (Right) highlighted slack messages reportedly leaked from a Talarico volunteer group showing "tepid concerns about the messaging strategy amid his absence." One post said "I think it'll be fine. It's [j]ust conservatives blasting him. I'm just worried about him losing momentum," while another said "But I 100% expect him to make a comeback at the CNN [t]own hall that's a given." While the messages were mixed, the Post article highlighted the messages of concern, saying the "group privately frets about his 12-day absence."

"Spotlight On Paxton": The Texas Tribune (Lean Left) highlighted a call by Trump for Talarico and Paxton to debate, adding that Talarico "has agreed to four debates and hounded Paxton for refusing to participate." The Texas Democrat posted on X saying, "President Trump just said Ken Paxton should debate. I agree. Ball's in your court @KenPaxtonTX." The Tribune said, "Trump's call for Talarico to 'immediately report to a Debate Stage'—meant as a jab at the Democrat's absence—put the spotlight instead on Paxton, who has not publicly accepted any invitations for an onstage faceoff."

RELATED: Jimmy Kimmel Moves Talarico Interview to YouTube, Citing FCC Pressure  

Written by the AllSides staff (of humans). Learn more. Support our mission. Suggest an improvement to this summary.