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◆ Mixed look for TalaricoElections / Campaigns

Feisty Talarico Crushes Paxton Rumor About Him And Diagnoses Republican In Return

Talarico denied a rumor about his health and answered his rival with personal taunts.

Feisty Talarico Crushes Paxton Rumor About Him And Diagnoses Republican In Return
Image · HuffPost

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This article1 analysis · Oct 13, 2026
HuffPost
Oct 12, 2026
tl;dr

Texas Senate candidate James Talarico denied a rumor about his health and mocked Republican rival Ken Paxton, whose campaign had amplified the claim. The exchange adds a personal attack to their closely watched campaign contest.

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Democratic Texas Senate candidate responding to a rumor about his health

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Texas Senate candidate whose campaign amplified a rumor about Talarico

Paxton's version of this story ↗
ALSO MENTIONED  Nick Sortor, MAGA influencer who reported the rumor that Talarico was receiving mental-health treatment

Part of a bigger story

17 OUTLETS
James Talarico Denies Health Rumor After Campaign Absence

James Talarico missed nearly two weeks of campaign events, which he and his campaign attributed to the flu; a rumor that he had been treated at an Ohio mental-health facility circulated. He denied the treatment claim and returned to campaigning. Left-leaning outlets frame the treatment claim as a smear or conspiracy and emphasize Talarico’s denial and response to Paxton. Center outlets focus on his flu explanation and on checking or documenting the rumor, while also covering the candidates’ debate dispute. Right-leaning outlets emphasize his absence and Paxton’s criticism, with some repeating the treatment allegation or using satire.

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