Texas Democrat James Talarico off campaign trail for 12 days with flu

James Talarico was captured on video blowing his nose and coughing during a virtual appearance for the Hispanic Business Council, shortly before his campaign announced he was diagnosed with the flu at a Dallas urgent care facility. While he has been absent from in-person events for 12 days, he maintains he is avoiding public contact to keep potential voters safe while recovering from his fever. His opponent, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, has questioned the candidate's absence, with his spokesperson requesting proof of life in the form of a photograph featuring a newspaper with the current date. Texas Democrats express concern regarding the timing of the illness, as the race for the U.S. Senate seat is considered highly competitive. Talarico is expected to resume his in-person campaign schedule this coming weekend. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump addressed the contest during a rally in San Antonio, targeting Talarico with personal attacks and emphasizing the significance of the race for the Republican party's standing in Texas. As the campaign enters its final push, polls indicate the Senate seat could potentially switch parties for the first time in over thirty years, turning the health of the candidates and their public visibility into central points of contention.