Campaign Absence Rumors Resolved for Texas Senate Nominee James Talarico

A rumor about Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico’s campaign absence has been debunked. Originally, speculation suggested Talarico was at an Ohio behavioral health center, but evidence counters these claims.

The New York Times reported that it reviewed time-stamped security camera images from Talarico’s campaign. These images show Talarico at his Austin home between October 1 and October 8. This timeframe coincided with his absence from the campaign trail, which led to rumors about his whereabouts. For security reasons, the campaign requested the images not be published.

This evidence supports Talarico’s claim that he was home with the flu. It disputes allegations that he traveled over 1,000 miles to Ohio for treatment.

If there’s a simple explanation like an illness, it’s even easier to just prove that outright to voters. If the flu was really the case with Talarico, it’s mind-numbing malpractice that his campaign didn’t quickly and easily demonstrate that, said GOP strategist Mark Bednar, speaking to Fox News Digital.

Washington Free Beacon investigative reporter Chuck Ross noted that the footage could have dispelled rumors had it been released sooner.

Throughout his absence, Talarico’s campaign insisted he was recovering from the flu. Talarico participated in a virtual event on September 30, appearing visibly ill and confirming he had the flu. However, his extended absence raised questions as Election Day approached.

The speculation grew when Talarico’s campaign posted footage from a February rally on October 3 without clarifying it was older content. The campaign explained it routinely reposts social media content.

Let’s be fair here. You’re 20 days out from Election Day, and you’re running for senate in one of the biggest states in the country. Use tech to connect: direct to camera videos, do a livestream. To just go dark is malpractice, said Matt Gorman, chief communications officer at Targeted Victory, to Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reached out to Talarico’s campaign for further comments after The New York Times’ article. The campaign stood by its earlier statement.

“This is a conspiracy theory that has been proven false. James is excited to be back on the campaign trail after recovering from the flu,” campaign spokesperson JT Ennis said to Fox News Digital.

Ennis shifted focus to Talarico’s Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, challenging him to a debate.