Talarico was at home in Texas during campaign trail absence, photos appear to show
Security camera images released by James Talarico’s campaign appear to show the Texas Democratic Senate candidate at his home from Oct. 1 through Oct. 8. He appeared publicly the next day, according to the campaign.
Campaign spokesman J.T. Ennis said Talarico had been recovering from the flu in Austin and rejected claims that he was elsewhere. The images were provided to CBS News.
Talarico had been out of public view for nearly two weeks. On Sept. 30, he canceled an in-person discussion and joined remotely, saying he had gone to urgent care in Dallas and been diagnosed with the flu.
His absence became a political talking point during President Trump’s Texas campaign visit with Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton questioned where Talarico was and said he owed Texans answers.
Talarico later told CBS News he was feeling better and returning to campaigning. He attended a concert in San Antonio and gave interviews over the weekend.
Key points
- Campaign images appear to show Talarico at home from Oct. 1 to Oct. 8.
- Talarico said he missed events after being diagnosed with the flu.
- Paxton and Trump drew attention to Talarico’s absence during a Texas rally.