<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/texas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Texas</a> Republican Senate nominee <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/ken-paxton/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ken Paxton</a> criticized opponent <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/james-talarico/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">James Talarico</a> for his absence from the campaign trail, sharing a flyer that resembles a missing persons poster featuring Talarico.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Paxton <a href="https://x.com/KenPaxtonTX/status/2108193761234731152?s=20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">posted photos</a> of these flyers, which have appeared in various locations across Texas, including outside Kyle Field at Texas A&M University in College Station, Fort Worth, and Dallas. Talarico has reportedly canceled two campaign events due to illness and has not made a public appearance since September 28.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The flyer states: “MISSING: James Talarico. Missing posters are popping up across Texas as the search continues. LAST SEEN: 12 days ago. Texans everywhere are asking: where is James Talarico?” It also describes Talarico as a “Radical Democrat Socialist” and claims he was “last seen” in New York City, with his status listed as “case open – whereabouts unknown.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The posters appear to be a critique of Talarico's choice to campaign and fundraise outside Texas ahead of the Senate race, which has drawn criticism from some quarters.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Former President <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/donald-trump/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a> also commented on Talarico’s absence, stating, “Ladies and Gentlemen, upon information and belief, James TalaFREAKo, who is running for the United States Senate in Texas, is MISSING IN ACTION! No one has seen him for an extended period of time. Where is he? What is wrong with him? Bad rumors are coming out.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Trump suggested that Paxton and Talarico should engage in a debate, to which Talarico responded, “President Trump just said Ken Paxton should debate. I agree. Ball’s in your court [Paxton].”</p>