Talarico’s 12-day absence from trail becomes fodder for GOP in Texas Senate race

CNN, the Daily Wire and NBC News report that Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico has stayed away from in-person campaigning in Texas for 12 days, handing Republicans an opening less than four weeks before Election Day. His campaign blames the flu, and spokesman JT Ennis says he should return this weekend, according to CNN · Daily Wire.

The campaign of Republican nominee and Attorney General Ken Paxton, through spokeswoman Madison Cercy, demanded "proof of life." President Donald Trump mocked Talarico at a San Antonio rally, then urged a debate on Truth Social, and Talarico replied that he agrees. NBC News adds that Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder acknowledged Paxton got a small break. Daily Wire adds that commentator Sara Gonzales said she had received unverified information about his whereabouts.

The outlets diverge on polling. CNN cites a New York Times/Siena survey with Talarico ahead by six points, while the Daily Wire says a new poll shows a tie. CNN also reports Republican ad spending above $190 million, against $52 million reserved by Democrats, and says Talarico will appear at a CNN town hall in Fort Worth on October 14.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN · Daily Wire, Daily Wire and NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN · Daily Wire → Also at Daily Wire → Also at NBC News →