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◆ Mixed look for TalaricoElections / Campaigns

Paxton RIPS Talarico For His Prolonged Absence and Questionable Claims That He Had the Flu (VIDEO)

Talarico’s absence and explanations for it prompted criticism from Paxton.

Paxton RIPS Talarico For His Prolonged Absence and Questionable Claims That He Had the Flu (VIDEO)
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This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026
tl;dr

Ken Paxton criticized James Talarico over a two-week campaign absence that Talarico’s campaign attributed to the flu. The article also reports conflicting accounts about Talarico’s medical care and Paxton’s accusations that he lied to voters.

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Texas Senate candidate criticized for his campaign absence and explanations of his medical care

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas Senate candidate criticizing James Talarico

Paxton's version of this story ↗

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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