Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico is firing back at Republican rival Ken Paxton after the Texas attorney general spent days questioning his whereabouts during a bout of the flu, with the state representative now challenging his opponent to prove he dares to debate him. To add some kick to his challenge, Talarico also called Paxton a coward and asked for a ‘proof of spine.’
Talarico’s comments came after nearly two weeks of speculation about his absence from the campaign trail. The Democrat said he had the flu, visited an urgent care clinic in Dallas on September 30, and continued working remotely while recovering. “I’ve heard credible reports that Ken Paxton has a serious medical condition that causes clinical levels of cowardice,” Talarico joked during an interview with MS NOW on Sunday. “He has asked for proof of life from me. I’m asking for proof of spine from him.”
Republicans notably seized the opportunity during his absence as the Senate race intensified ahead of November’s election. Paxton’s campaign circulated social media posts questioning where Talarico had gone, while President Donald Trump described the Democrat as “MISSING IN ACTION” in a Truth Social post. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also joined the pile-on by sharing a mock missing-person poster featuring Talarico on a milk carton.
Conspiracy theories subsequently spread online, including a false claim that Talarico was receiving treatment for a stress-induced episode. Both his campaign and the mental health center named in the rumor denied the allegation. “I had the flu. This is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard,” Talarico told MS NOW, criticizing the way rumors can gain traction online and in traditional media. The Democrat also accused Republicans of turning his illness into a political weapon.
People Online Want the Debate Even More
Paxton continued questioning Talarico’s explanation even after his opponent returned to public appearances over the weekend. Meanwhile, Talarico renewed his calls for a public debate, pointing out that Paxton has yet to accept his repeated invitations even after nearly three months of follow-ups from Talarico’s team. The exchange sparked reactions online, with some social media users applauding Talarico’s response.
“Democrats dishing it out this year!” one commenter wrote. Another encouraged the Democrat, saying, “More of this, please!” in response to his joke about Paxton’s alleged “clinical levels of cowardice.” One user described the exchange as “Expert trolling,” while another quipped that Talarico had given the attorney general a new diagnosis: “Chronic chicken[expletive]tery.”
Not everyone was impressed, however. One commenter argued that Talarico was following a familiar political strategy, writing, “Gotta go on the attack after looking vulnerable. Political playbook 101.” The dispute adds more fuel to the fire in a closely watched Texas Senate contest. Both candidates are facing pressure to engage voters in the final stretch; Paxton, meanwhile, has yet to agree to debate Talarico.
