Texas Democrat James Talarico reappeared at a major Austin music festival after nearly two weeks away from the campaign trail, offering a flu-related explanation as political rivals questioned his prolonged absence and canceled appearances.
Texas Senate candidate James Talarico returned to the public spotlight Friday, ending a 13-day stretch away from the campaign trail that had prompted questions about his whereabouts and the status of his campaign.
According to reports cited by The Hill, Talarico made an appearance at the Austin City Limits music festival, where he presented himself as approachable and willing to engage with people. His return, however, did little to quiet the questions surrounding his extended absence during a critical period in the Senate race.
Talarico reportedly told The New York Times that he had been dealing with a “nasty case of the flu” and had spent the time “home in bed.”
