James Talarico Takes Hiatus from Campaign Trail Due to Illness

<figure><img alt="James Talerico" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/XDS754DADBHORHZ4YDTNGPBGEI.jpg?auth=338487d348a20e866691c870364bd98b8985394b4e58a4b8319ce8fdc3983c7b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1081" /><figcaption>Photo Illustration by Victoria Sunday/The Daily Beast/Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>Texas state representative James Talarico has been absent from campaign events for 12 days after contracting the flu, which has raised concerns among Democrats ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for November 3.</p><p>Talarico's opponent, Ken Paxton, has used this absence to his advantage during the campaign. A Texas Democrat involved with Talarico's campaign expressed concern, stating, "He’s, like, really sick. Believe me, we don’t want this right now. We’d rather have him on the trail." Talarico's spokesperson, JT Ennis, confirmed that Talarico is expected to return to campaigning this weekend.</p><p>Ennis stated, "After holding more than 100 public events and shaking tens of thousands of hands, James came down with the flu but will be back on the trail this weekend. Ken Paxton has been ignoring Texans this entire campaign, and his priorities are clear: he doesn’t answer to the people of this state — he answers to his billionaire megadonors and special interests."</p><p>Political strategist Ed Espinoza noted that while some supporters are worried about Talarico's absence, he believes Talarico's extensive advertising campaign, which includes $80 million in ads, mitigates the impact of his absence. He commented, "He may be recovering at home, but he is still everywhere."</p><p>Kendall Scudder, chair of the Texas Democratic Party, acknowledged that Talarico's hiatus has provided Paxton with some breathing room but emphasized the importance of Talarico's health. Scudder stated, "It’s certainly not ideal, but we want to make sure he does everything he needs to to make sure that he’s healthy and ready to go. We’re in the homestretch, and it sounds like he’s on the mend, and that’s great news."</p><p>Talarico, 37, disclosed his illness during a forum for the Hispanic Business Council on September 30, where he participated virtually. He mentioned, "I was ready to eat my favorite quesadilla tacos, but I was starting to feel kind of under the weather a few days ago, and last night it got so bad that I went to the urgent care here in Dallas. I guess I’ve been shaking too many hands on the campaign trail, and so I want to keep everybody safe."</p><p>Paxton, 63, and former President Donald Trump have taken the opportunity to comment on Talarico's absence. Trump remarked at a rally in San Antonio, "You haven’t seen him in a couple of weeks. I hear the guy has disappeared. Nobody knows. You know where he is? He’s sick, because he’s forced to eat meat for political reasons, and he’s throwing up all over the place."</p><p>Paxton's campaign has also circulated attack ads and called for Talarico to provide "proof of life," even putting up fake "MISSING" posters around Texas.</p><p>Recent polling indicates that Talarico is competitive against Paxton, with some polls showing him trailing by single digits. Talarico's campaign has raised concerns among Republicans about the potential for a Democratic victory in Texas, which has not elected a Democratic senator since 1993.</p><p>The Daily Beast has reached out to the Talarico campaign for further comment.</p>