Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico reappeared on the campaign trail Friday after a nearly two-week absence, ending days of speculation and criticism from political opponents regarding his whereabouts."Hate to disappoint the conspiracy theorists, but James is still alive and meeting with voters at ACL today," Talarico’s primary spokesperson, JT Ennis, wrote on X.The post included a video of the candidate walking through crowds and greeting supporters at the Austin City Limits Music Festival.MEET THE VOTERS WHO COULD BREAK THE GOP’S DECADESLONG GRIP ON A REPUBLICAN STRONGHOLDDemocratic U.S.Senate candidate James Talarico speaks during a campaign rally at the Cailloux Theater on Aug.
31, in Kerrville, Texas.Talarico reappeared Friday at a music festival following a 12-day absence that sparked speculation about his whereabouts.
(Brandon Bell/Getty Images)Talarico, who is challenging Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a closely-watched U.S.Senate contest, had not been seen publicly in person at a campaign event since late September.
His last in-person event was a Sept.26 news conference in Carrollton addressing rising gas prices.Talarico's campaign attributed the absence to a severe case of the flu.
However, the prolonged pause drew sharp criticism from Republicans, including President Donald Trump.HECKLERS INTERRUPT TRUMP TEXAS RALLY MULTIPLE TIMESState Rep.James Talarico and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are in a tight race for the Senate.
(Brandon Bell/Getty Images; Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused the Democrat of being "MISSING IN ACTION.""TalaFREAKo has been missing for 12 days! Now, after looking for him throughout all of Texas, and beyond, probably even weirder places than anyone would think possible, he put out a statement that he has the 'flu,'" Trump wrote."12 days is a long time to rid yourself of the so-called flu bug.What’s going on?" he added.
"We need a Senator that’s a proven Champion like o...