Ken Paxton Questions James Talarico's Absence During Trump Rally

<p>Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton questioned Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico's absence from the campaign trail during President Donald Trump's rally in San Antonio on October 7, 2026, prompting a response from Talarico's campaign less than a month before the November midterm elections.</p><p>Paxton led the crowd in chanting "Where is Talarico?" while asserting that the Democrat had not been seen campaigning in Texas for 11 days.</p><p>Talarico's campaign stated that he has been sick with the flu and is expected to return to the campaign trail this weekend.</p><p>"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," JT Ennis, a campaign spokesperson for Talarico, said.</p><p>Ennis also criticized Paxton's campaign priorities, claiming, "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>Trump also questioned Talarico's whereabouts during his remarks, repeatedly referencing the Democrat's absence while campaigning on Paxton's behalf. The president suggested without evidence that Talarico had become sick after eating meat for political reasons, mocking the Democrat's dietary preferences.</p><p>Trump criticized Talarico's positions on immigration, public safety, and education, while praising Paxton's record as Texas attorney general and urging voters to support his Senate bid.</p><p>The president emphasized the importance of the Texas race to Republicans' efforts to maintain control of Congress, warning supporters about the consequences of Democrats gaining seats in the Senate.</p><p>Trump's appearance in San Antonio was part of a broader effort to mobilize Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections, urging attendees to participate in early voting, which begins on October 19 in Texas, or cast their ballots on Election Day.</p><p>The exchange over Talarico's whereabouts comes as the candidates enter the final weeks of the campaign.</p>