Trump wants Talarico and Paxton to debate. Talarico couldn't be happier

Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has been absent from the physical campaign trail for approximately 12 days, citing a diagnosis of the flu. This absence has triggered sharp criticism from President Donald Trump and Republican opponent Ken Paxton, who have questioned the validity of Talarico's illness and demanded he appear for a debate. Talarico, who has Type 1 diabetes, last appeared via a virtual event on September 30. While Trump and Paxton have recently called for a debate, the two campaigns have previously sparred over debate venues and terms, with no events currently scheduled.

Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has been absent from the physical campaign trail for approximately 12 days, citing a diagnosis of the flu. This absence has triggered sharp criticism from President Donald Trump and Republican opponent Ken Paxton, who have questioned the validity of Talarico's illness and demanded he appear for a debate. Talarico, who has Type 1 diabetes, last appeared via a virtual event on September 30. While Trump and Paxton have recently called for a debate, the two campaigns have previously sparred over debate venues and terms, with no events currently scheduled.