Full Breakdown
Texas Senate Race Heats Up as Ken Paxton Calls Out James Talarico’s Campaign Absence
By Drooid · · How we work
Senate Race Campaign Clash
During a rally in San Antonio supporting Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general prompted the crowd to chant “Where is Talarico?” and asserted that Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico had not been seen campaigning in the state for eleven days. Former President Donald Trump echoed the question, repeatedly referencing the Democrat’s absence while praising Paxton’s record and urging voters to back the Republican ticket.
Background & Context
The contest pits Paxton, a two-term attorney general, against Talarico, a state representative who announced his Senate bid earlier this year. The race has drawn national attention as Republicans seek to retain control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming midterm elections. Both campaigns have been active on the ground, with Paxton holding numerous public events and Talarico traveling across Texas before falling ill.
Official Statements & Responses
JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico, explained the candidate’s hiatus: “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, talarico campaign spokesperson Ennis added that Talarico Trump also suggested, without evidence, that Talarico’s illness might be linked to his dietary choices, and he criticized the Democrat’s positions on immigration, public safety and education while urging early voting in October.
What’s Next
With less than a month before the November midterms, both candidates are expected to intensify outreach. Early voting opens in October, and the race is projected to be a key battleground for control of the Senate.