Talarico Critiques Biden's Border Strategy Amid Health Concerns

WHO:

Newsweek - James Talarico, Texas Senate candidate, is a Democratic candidate.

NBC News Politics - Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, is Talarico's opponent in the Senate race.

WHAT:

Newsweek - Talarico is launching two new ads that critique President Biden's border policies and address data centers in Texas.

NY Post - Talarico missed more than a week of in-person campaigning due to a "nasty case of the flu."

NBC News Politics - Talarico challenged Paxton to a debate, stating, "I’m asking for proof of spine from him."

WHERE:

Newsweek - The campaign activities and ads are focused in Texas.

WHEN:

NY Post - Talarico's absence from campaigning lasted for nine days.

WHY:

NY Post - Talarico's absence sparked widespread online speculation regarding his health and campaign status.

HOW:

NBC News Politics - Talarico returned to campaigning after recovering from the flu.

(UPDATED October 12, 2026 23:01 UTC)

James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate, is launching two new ads that critique President Biden's border policies while also addressing data centers in Texas. After missing nine days of in-person campaigning due to a nasty case of the flu, Talarico has returned and challenged his opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, to a debate, asking for proof of spine from him. His recent absence sparked widespread online speculation about his health and campaign status, but he is now back on the trail.