Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has dismissed speculation about his recent absence from the campaign trail, saying he was recovering from a severe bout of flu as his race against Republican Ken Paxton intensifies ahead of the November election.
The Texas lawmaker returned to in-person campaigning on Friday after his last in-person event in the state on September 26. He had addressed a forum virtually on September 30, saying he was unwell.
“I was in bed, drinking lots of liquids,” Talarico said, adding that he did not want to risk spreading the illness to others. He also said his campaign had continued to make him work remotely while he was sick. His absence prompted speculation among conservative commentators, including an unsubstantiated claim that he was receiving treatment at the Lindner Center of Hope in Ohio . The facility rejected the allegation in a social media post, stating that Talarico had never received treatment there.
Talarico’s authorized campaign committee reported approximately $68.56 million in total receipts for the reporting period from September 8, 2025, to June 30, 2026, according to Federal Election Commission records . The committee reported spending approximately $47.01 million during the same period.
Talarico attended Wells Branch Elementary School and graduated from McNeil High School before earning degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard University, according to his official Texas House biography . Paxton called on him to provide “proof of life”, while President Donald Trump highlighted the issue during a rally supporting the Republican candidate in San Antonio. I think Ken Paxton should debate,” Talarico said, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth’s report.
His public profile has largely centred on his work as an educator and lawmaker, including legislation addressing school funding, student mental healt h and healthcare costs. Talarico’s absence became a political flashpoint as the Senate race intensified. “I agree with President Trump.
