Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico addressed his recent absence from the campaign trail on Sunday, calling it nothing more than a “bad flu.”
“I lay in bed and drank a lot of fluids. Unfortunately, the campaign had me working from home, so I didn’t even get a full day off. But I didn’t want to go out and make other people sick. I think it’s important for leaders to be accountable in these moments. I’m glad to be back. I feel better,” he told NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
Talarico returned to the campaign trail on Friday. His last in-person event in the state was on September 26, and he spoke at a virtual forum on September 30, saying he wasn’t feeling well.
During his absence, some conservatives speculated that he was taking a break for mental health reasons. A right-wing influencer falsely claimed Talarico was receiving treatment at the Lindner Center of Hope in Ohio.
Asked about these theories, Talarico said: “The Internet is playing a role.”
“That’s not true,” Talarico said. “I just had the flu and I’m feeling better. But it’s a good reminder that you can’t believe everything you read on the internet.”
The Lindner Center also refuted the speculation on Sunday, posting on social media: “Representative James Talarico has never received treatment from the Lindner Center of Hope.”
Republicans noted Talarico’s absence in the final weeks of the campaign, and even some Democrats acknowledged to NBC News that Talarico’s absence was less than ideal in a tight Senate race.
Talarico’s Republican opponent, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, called on him to produce “proof of life,” which included his photo and a newspaper showing the date.
President Donald Trump made a campaign speech for Paxton in San Antonio on Wednesday, highlighting Talarico’s absence and urging him to debate Paxton. Asked Sunday about Trump’s comments, Talarico said he agreed.
“I agree with President Trump. I think Ken Paxton should debate. The president says he should debate. Fox News says he should debate. The people of Texas say he should debate, and I think it’s mysterious that Ken Paxton hasn’t responded to a debate request in 85 days,” Talarico said.
“Ken Paxton asked for proof of my life. I’m asking him for proof of my spine,” he added.
No debate has been scheduled so far. Talarico has accepted debate invitations from multiple media outlets, but Paxton has not yet done so.