After a 13-day long absence from the campaign trail, Texas Senate candidate James Talarico (D-TX) finally put the whirlwind of rumors to rest, saying he’d come down with a bad case of the flu.
In an interview with NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, Talarico said he spent the last few days in bed, resting and recovering from his illness. As a type-1 diabetic, Talarico said he is at greater risk of complications from the flu.
“I was in bed, drinking lots of liquids. Unfortunately, the campaign made me work from home, so I didn’t even get full days off,” Talarico said. “But I didn’t want to be out on the trail, and I didn’t want to get anyone else sick.”
Talarico Refutes the Rumors
But Talarico’s absence caused a flurry of rumors from Republicans, including right-wing influencers who said Talarico was taking a break for mental health reasons. Others also falsely claimed Talarico had been admitted to Lindner Center of Hope, a mental health treatment center in Ohio.
“That’s not true,” Talarico said. “I just had the flu, and I feel much better. But it’s a good reminder that you can’t believe everything you read on the internet.”
The Lindner Center also shut down these rumors in a social media post of its own.
“Representative James Talarico has never received treatment from Lindner Center of Hope,” the center said on X.
Republicans Remain Skeptical
Others are still skeptical of the reasons behind Talarico’s absence even now.
“Anyone campaigning for Senate, if they get the flu, takes off three days at most and says they have the flu from the outset,” said Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy, on X. “Missing two weeks is a medical emergency (if the reason is medical).”
What About a Debate?
Now back in the public eye, Talarico is continuing to call on his opponent and Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-TX) for a debate. Talarico has accepted invitations from several stations, but Paxton has not.
Amidst Talarico’s absence, Paxton asked Talarico to post a “prood of life” photo with him holding a newspaper showing the date.
“Ken Paxton has asked for proof of life for me. I’m asking for proof of spine from him,” Talarico said.
During a campaign visit in San Antonio, Texas, last week, President Donald Trump said the two should face-off in a debate, highlighting Talarico’s absence.
Talarico said he agrees with Trump.
“I think Ken Paxton should debate,” he said. “The president’s saying he should debate. Fox News has said he should debate. The people of Texas have said he should debate, and I think it’s mysterious that Ken Paxton hasn’t responded to a request for a debate in 85 days.”
