Breanna Morello separately described the discharged person as “Someone named ‘James Talarico’” and said the Senate candidate had not responded to three requests for comment. Talarico had previously denied rumors of a mental health facility stay, saying he had been home in bed with “a nasty case of the flu” and adding, “Just a reminder not to believe everything you read on the internet.”
Talarico returned to public campaigning on Oct. 9, meeting voters at the Austin City Limits music festival. His campaign disputed descriptions of a two-week disappearance, saying his absence lasted nine days and pointing to his Sept. 30 virtual appearance with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council. Republican rival Ken Paxton had demanded “proof of life” during the absence and continued criticizing Talarico after his return.