Trump and Paxton attack Talarico over illness, spark debate row

President Donald Trump and Attorney General Ken Paxton attacked James Talarico at a rally in San Antonio over his recent illness-induced absence from the campaign trail, with Trump later calling for a debate between the two. While the rally rhetoric focused on Talarico’s health-related hiatus, the event sparked a political standoff regarding debate participation, as Talarico challenged Paxton to appear on a debate stage, The Texas Tribune reported.

James Talarico Isolates After Flu Diagnosis

James Talarico has remained off the campaign trail since late September after being diagnosed with the flu at a Dallas urgent care facility. The candidate first disclosed his illness during a virtual appearance at a September 30 event hosted by the U.S. Addressing his decision to isolate, Talarico stated, I guess I’ve been shaking too many hands on the campaign trail, and so I want to keep everybody safe. He further noted that he could not live with himself if he were to pass the illness to a baby or grandmother.

Despite his current absence, Talarico’s spokesperson, JT Ennis, confirmed that the candidate has participated in more than 100 public events during the current cycle. Ennis stated that Talarico intends to return to the trail soon, with a scheduled appearance at a CNN town hall set for October 14, 2026.

Political Attacks and Debate Challenges

During the San Antonio rally, Ken Paxton questioned Talarico’s whereabouts, leading the crowd in a chant and referring to the candidate as a little socialist. Paxton’s campaign previously criticized Talarico for attending a September 28 fundraiser in New York shortly before his reported diagnosis. Madison Cercy, a spokesperson for Paxton, alleged that Talarico found the energy to seek campaign donations but avoided meeting with Hispanic business owners in the Rio Grande Valley.

Following the rally, Trump posted on Truth Social that Talarico was MISSING IN ACTION and urged him to immediately report to a Debate Stage against Ken Paxton. Talarico responded to the post on X, writing, President Trump just said Ken Paxton should debate. I agree. Ball’s in your court @KenPaxtonTX.

Stalled Negotiations for a Senate Faceoff

The exchange regarding a debate highlights a broader impasse in the Texas U.S. Senate race. While Talarico has accepted four debate invitations—from CNN, Hearst, Nexstar, and WFAA—and proposed a Fox News debate moderated by Brett Baier, Paxton has not formally accepted any of these invitations. Although a Paxton spokesperson stated in July that the campaign would debate, the Attorney General did not participate in debates during his three previous campaigns for his current office.

The Senate race remains highly competitive, as Democrats attempt to break a 32-year drought in Texas statewide elections. With early voting scheduled to begin on October 19, 2026, and Election Day approaching on November 3, 2026, the absence of a confirmed debate schedule continues to be a point of contention. The Paxton campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the President’s call for a debate.