Paxton presses Talarico over campaign trail gap at San Antonio Trump event
At a Trump rally in San Antonio, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked where Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico had been, saying Talarico had not campaigned in Texas for 11 days. Talarico's campaign said he has the flu and plans to return to the trail this weekend. A campaign spokesperson also criticized Paxton, saying he is focused on wealthy donors and interest groups rather than Texans.
At a San Antonio rally headlined by Donald Trump, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked where Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico had been, claiming the candidate had stayed off the Texas campaign trail for 11 days. Trump echoed that line and also attacked Talarico's stances on immigration, public safety, and education while boosting Paxton's Senate bid.
Talarico's team said he contracted the flu after more than 100 public events and handshakes, and expects him back on the trail this weekend. Spokesperson JT Ennis countered that Paxton answers to wealthy donors and interest groups rather than Texans. The rally also promoted early voting, which starts Oct. 19 in Texas.
The back-and-forth may shape how Texas voters perceive both candidates in the final weeks before the midterms. Voters who prioritize campaign accessibility could view Talarico's illness-related absence differently from those focused on Paxton's donor ties. Because the race could affect Senate control, the exchange may also intensify national attention, influence turnout messaging, and amplify claims that supporters on each side use to mobilize.