Talarico Returns to Campaign Trail After Flu Absence in Texas Race

Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico returned to public campaign events on Friday at Austin City Limits after a flu illness kept him away from the trail, drawing scrutiny from Republican opponent Ken Paxton during the final weeks of the Senate race.

Talarico campaign spokesman JT Ennis said the candidate was back speaking with voters at the festival, and social media posts showed Talarico walking on the event grounds. His campaign had previously said his absence was related to recovery from the flu.

Talarico disclosed on Sept. 30 that he was sick after appearing virtually at a forum instead of attending in person. According to his campaign remarks, he had been diagnosed with the flu after visiting urgent care in Dallas.

"James Talarico is back on the campaign trail talking to voters at Austin City Limits," Talarico campaign spokesman JT Ennis said in a statement.

Talarico’s last in-person event in Texas was on Sept. 26, according to NBC News. He traveled to New York on Sept. 29 for a private fundraiser and later returned to Dallas, where he said he sought medical care.

"I was starting to feel kind of under the weather a few days ago, and last night it got so bad that I went to the urgent care here in Dallas, and I was diagnosed with the flu," Talarico said.

"I’m running a fever, and I’m my most contagious right now. And I guess I’ve been shaking too many hands on the campaign trail, and so I want to keep everybody safe," Talarico said.

Talarico appeared visibly ill during his virtual remarks to the Hispanic Business Council, including coughing and blowing his nose, according to NBC News.

Paxton’s campaign challenged Talarico’s absence and called for evidence that he was active during the period away from public events.

"proof of life," Paxton’s campaign said in its request for Talarico to provide a current photo.

Republican Sen. Ted Cruz also criticized the absence on social media with an image featuring a milk carton and Talarico’s face.

"MISSING," Republican Sen. Ted Cruz posted on social media.