Talarico Returns to Campaign Trail After Flu Absence

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico said he was diagnosed with the flu after visiting a Dallas urgent care clinic on Sept. 30 and recovered at home while working remotely. He returned to public events after nearly two weeks away, including appearances at Austin City Limits and a Kacey Musgraves concert. Talarico dismissed online claims that he had received mental health treatment; the Lindner Center of Hope denied that he had been a patient, while a recording cited in the claims was not independently verified. Republican opponent Ken Paxton and other Republicans questioned Talarico’s absence, and Talarico criticized the rumors and challenged Paxton to debate. Paxton’s campaign says it has tried for months to arrange a debate but the campaigns cannot agree on details, while Talarico’s campaign says Paxton declined multiple invitations. The closely watched race is tight, with Democrats seeking their first statewide Texas win in more than 30 years.