Talarico's campaign stated the candidate contracted the flu after holding more than 100 public events and has been out of public view for 12 days. Former President Donald Trump has publicly questioned the flu diagnosis. Despite the absence, Polymarket shows Talarico as a 66% to 67% favorite to win the seat, which would be the first Democratic victory in the state's Senate since 1988. Trading volume for the race on the prediction market has reached $2 million.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Ken Paxton Demands Proof of Life From Talarico in First Democratic Texas Senate Bid Since 1988
US Politics12 days ago
Republican operatives in Texas are calling for a doctor's note and travel records to substantiate claims that James Talarico is recovering from an illness. The campaign of Ken Paxton is demanding a video of Talarico holding a current newspaper, flight logs from a trip to New York, and verification from a Dallas urgent care center to prove the Democratic candidate is not missing. These requests come as early voting begins and the midterm election arrives on Nov 3, just 26 days away.
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