From Salon · Eleanor Klibanoff · · 2m
Paxton's false mental health conspiracy
Ken Paxton falsely claimed James Talarico was mentally unfit to undermine his Senate campaign.
In brief
Ken Paxton falsely claimed James Talarico was mentally unfit to undermine his Senate campaign. Republican Ken Paxton spread false claims that Democratic candidate James Talarico was in a mental health facility to damage his Senate campaign. Originally reported by Salon.
Paxton's false mental health conspiracy
Republican Ken Paxton falsely claimed Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico was mentally unfit to undermine his campaign.
Talarico recovering from flu
Democratic candidate James Talarico was recovering from flu when Paxton's false claims began spreading.
Paxton's mental health attack
Paxton alleged Talarico was having a mental breakdown and linked unrelated events to claim he was in Ohio treatment.
Social media amplifies false claims
Right-wing influencers shared unverified claims that Talarico was in a mental health facility after breaking down.
Talarico denies mental health treatment
Talarico confirmed he had never been treated at a mental health facility or in Ohio.
False tip line created
Paxton set up a 'Tala-Freak-Out Tip Line' for people to report on Talarico's whereabouts.
Private plane claim
GOP fundraiser Caroline Wren claimed a private plane flew from Austin to Ohio the same day Talarico attended ACL festival.
False hospital call
Influencer Rhein Amacher claimed to call Lindner Center and was told Talarico was 'just discharged this evening'.
Lindner Center confirms no treatment
Lindner Center confirmed Talarico had never been treated at their facility.
Paxton's campaign ignores facts
Paxton's campaign did not respond to requests for comment about his or Smith's claims.
Talarico reappears at festival
Talarico reappeared at Austin City Limits music festival on Oct 9, seemingly of sound mind and body.
Conservative reaction
Conservatives amplified the false story, claiming Talarico's public statements showed mental instability.
Talarico campaign denies claims
Talarico's campaign repeatedly denied any connection to the mental health facility.
What happens next
The false mental health conspiracy continues to damage Talarico's Senate campaign despite being debunked.
The takeaway
Republican Ken Paxton spread false claims that Democratic candidate James Talarico was in a mental health facility to damage his Senate campaign.
