Texas Senate candidate James Talarico has not campaigned publicly for 12 days. His campaign says he has the flu. Trump and Ken Paxton say the explanation does not add up.
Why it matters: The race is close in a state Trump won by double digits in 2024. Early voting starts soon, and Election Day is under four weeks away.
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the flu fully explains Talarico's 12-day absence or whether he is avoiding voters and scrutiny.
Left coverage, 9 sources: The left sees a candidate recovering from the flu whose absence Republicans have turned into an attack line in a race they fear losing.
Right coverage, 28 sources: The right sees a candidate hiding from voters and offering a flu explanation that does not fit a 12-day absence.
What’s next: Campaign spokesperson JT Ennis said Talarico will be back on the trail this weekend.
