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James Talarico off the trail for 12 days with the flu in Texas Senate race
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico has been absent from in-person campaign events for 12 days due to the flu, raising concerns as the Texas Senate race intensifies.
- Talarico’s Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, has criticized his absence, demanding proof of Talarico's presence and questioning his fitness to represent Texans.
- Despite Talarico’s absence, his campaign highlights a strong advertising presence, with $80 million in ads running, and emphasizes Paxton’s perceived disconnect from voters and special interest ties.
- Texas Democrats express concern over Talarico’s absence but remain hopeful he will recover in time for the final campaign stretch, while Paxton faces scrutiny over controversial audio remarks.
- Former President Trump has publicly mocked Talarico’s absence, demanding he debate Paxton in person, adding another layer of attention to the race’s final days.
