# Talarico Flu Absence Draws Paxton, Trump Questions

> Talarico's flu absence sparks Trump and Paxton pressure over campaign whereabouts.
- Title: Talarico Flu Absence Draws Paxton, Trump Questions | Shortify
- Summary: Talarico's flu absence sparks Trump and Paxton pressure over campaign whereabouts. Texas Rep. James Talarico's campaign absence due to flu has drawn scrutiny…
- Keywords: james talarico, ken paxton, donald trump, texas, us senate, campaign absence, flu, mental health facility, unverified claims, news, politics, Talarico
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/state/where-is-james-talarico-paxton-and-trump-press-democrat-over-campaign-absence
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-10-09T20:22:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: james talarico, ken paxton, donald trump, texas, us senate, campaign absence, flu, mental health facility, unverified claims, news, politics
## Talarico's last Texas campaign event
State Rep. James Talarico (D-District 50) last appeared in person on September 26.
## New York fundraising dates vary
NBC News cites September 29 for New York fundraising while Texas Scorecard lists September 28.
## Talarico's flu diagnosis
Talarico said he was diagnosed with flu at Dallas urgent care clinic on September 30.
## Campaign's recovery timeline
Campaign spokesman JT Ennis stated Talarico looks forward to returning this weekend after flu recovery.
## Paxton demands proof of life
Attorney General Ken Paxton requested proof of life for Talarico after his absence.
## Trump questions Talarico's whereabouts
Trump labeled Talarico as 'MISSING IN ACTION!' and called for Senate nominee debate.
## Talarico responds to Trump
Talarico agreed to debate with Paxton but neither campaign announced a debate.
## Unverified mental health claims
Spencer Pratt claimed Talarico was in mental health facility without named sources or evidence.
## Sara Gonzales' unverified claim
Sara Gonzales shared unverified information about Talarico's whereabouts without confirming facility stay.
## Campaign denies mental health facility
Dallas Express found no public documentation supporting Talarico's mental health facility stay.
## Talarico's campaign response
Talarico's campaign continues to attribute absence to flu without mental health facility claims.
## Key takeaway

Texas Rep. James Talarico's campaign absence due to flu has drawn scrutiny from Trump and Paxton, with claims of mental health facility stay unverified.