Talarico Returns to Campaign Trail, Blames Flu for Absence and Presses Paxton on Debates

James Talarico flu absence ended Friday when the Democratic Senate candidate returned to the campaign trail in Texas, according to an interview with NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. Talarico said the flu kept him sidelined and that he spent the time working from home. He also used the Sunday interview to push back on online speculation about his health and to renew his call for Republican opponent Ken Paxton to debate.

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Timeline of the absence

Talarico’s last in-person campaign event was Sept. 26. Four days later, on Sept. 30, he took part in a virtual forum but said he was not feeling well. His absence stretched into early October, prompting questions from both sides of the race. On Friday, he resumed in-person campaigning. The interview aired Sunday.

Flu, not a mental health break

In the NBC Dallas-Fort Worth interview, Talarico said he had the flu and chose to work from home so he would not infect others. He described the decision as a matter of responsibility for a leader. Conservative commentators had speculated that the absence was a mental health break. A right-wing influencer falsely claimed Talarico had received treatment at the Lindner Center of Hope, an Ohio facility. The center denied treating Talarico. Talarico said the internet theories were not true and warned that people cannot believe everything they read online.

Paxton asks for proof of life

Paxton, the Texas attorney general, responded to the absence by calling for proof of life with a dated . The request added a sharp personal edge to the race. Talarico did not directly address the demand in the interview, but his return to the trail provided a public appearance after the stretch away from in-person events.

Trump urges debate; Talarico agrees

President Donald Trump, who campaigned for Paxton in San Antonio, highlighted Talarico’s absence and urged him to debate Paxton. Talarico said he agreed with Trump on that point. He added that Paxton has not responded to a debate request in 85 days. Talarico said he has accepted multiple debate invitations, but no debates are scheduled.

Democratic concerns

Some Democrats said the absence was less than ideal, even as Talarico’s campaign tried to move past the flu episode. The Texas Senate race is tight, and the final weeks of the campaign are underway. Whether Paxton will agree to debate remains unresolved.