James Talarico resurfaces after extended absence as his campaign pushes back

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico returned to the campaign trail on Friday at the Austin City Limits Music Festival following a 12 to 13-day absence from in-person events in Texas. His campaign attributed the hiatus to a severe case of the flu, noting he participated in a virtual event on September 30. During his absence, Republican opponent Ken Paxton and former President Donald Trump criticized his lack of public appearances, with the Paxton campaign circulating 'proof of life' rhetoric. Talarico's return comes as recent polling shows him in a statistical tie with Paxton ahead of the October 19 early voting start date.

Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico returned to the campaign trail on Friday at the Austin City Limits Music Festival following a 12 to 13-day absence from in-person events in Texas. His campaign attributed the hiatus to a severe case of the flu, noting he participated in a virtual event on September 30. During his absence, Republican opponent Ken Paxton and former President Donald Trump criticized his lack of public appearances, with the Paxton campaign circulating 'proof of life' rhetoric. Talarico's return comes as recent polling shows him in a statistical tie with Paxton ahead of the October 19 early voting start date.