Donald Trump says ‘nobody knows’ where James Talarico is after meat controversy, but the Democrat has a different explanation

Donald Trump asked where James Talarico had gone. The Texas Democrat had already provided an answer: he had the flu. At an October 7 rally in San Antonio, Trump mocked Talarico while campaigning for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton. He suggested nobody could find the Democrat and linked his illness to eating meat, as per a report by USA Today.

The attack arrived days after a New York Times/Siena poll put Talarico six points ahead of Paxton. With early voting approaching, an illness has become another flashpoint in a competitive Texas Senate race.

What Did Trump Say About James Talarico?

Trump repeatedly used the nickname “Talafreako” during his speech. He told supporters that Talarico had disappeared from public view.


“I hear the guy has disappeared — nobody knows,” Trump said, according to USA TODAY. He also suggested the candidate was unwell after being pressured to eat meat for political reasons.

Trump provided no evidence for that explanation. Talarico had publicly described a flu diagnosis, and his campaign confirmed it to the San Antonio Current on October 7.

The distinction matters. Missing in-person events is different from offering no explanation. Talarico had appeared virtually during his illness.

Why Has James Talarico Missed Campaign Events?

Talarico said an urgent care clinic in Dallas diagnosed him with the flu. He disclosed the illness while joining a United States Hispanic Business Council event virtually on September 30.

He had initially been scheduled to attend in person. Instead, he said he wanted to avoid spreading the infection.

His campaign told the San Antonio Current that he would return to the trail soon. It did not provide a specific return date in that report.

The explanation came before Trump’s rally remarks. It does not establish exactly where Talarico was at every moment, but it explains why his campaign said he was missing appearances.

Why Is Ken Paxton Asking “Where’s Jimmy?”

Paxton’s campaign launched an effort questioning Talarico’s absence. In an October 7 statement, it claimed he had not been seen campaigning in Texas for 11 days.

The Republican campaign also cited a September 28 fundraising appearance in New York involving Robert De Niro. It accused Talarico of putting out-of-state donors ahead of Texas voters.

Those are political accusations from his opponent. They should not be confused with independent evidence disproving the reported flu diagnosis.

Paxton is questioning his rival’s availability during the illness.

Is James Talarico Vegan?

Talarico has denied being vegan. During a May 26 MeidasTouch interview, he said he eats barbecue and rejected the Republican characterization.

The dispute stems from remarks he made in 2022. At an animal-welfare event, he discussed reducing meat consumption and said his campaign was purchasing vegan products from local businesses.

A campaign that buys vegan food does not prove its candidate follows a vegan diet. Trump’s suggestion that meat caused the current illness also differs from Talarico’s stated diagnosis.

What Do the Texas Senate Polls Show?

The latest New York Times/Siena survey recorded 51% support for Talarico and 45% for Paxton. FOX reported that the candidates had been tied at 47% in June.

The survey interviewed 615 Texas voters from September 21 through September 30. Its reported margin of error was 4.5 percentage points.

Polling uncertainty remains important. A six-point gap does not guarantee victory, and the margin of error for a difference between candidates is not simply the figure reported for an individual percentage.

The same survey showed Gina Hinojosa at 49% against Governor Greg Abbott’s 46%. Her narrower advantage adds context to Democratic hopes, but neither contest is settled.

When Will Texas Voters Cast Their Ballots?

Early voting begins October 19 and ends October 30, according to VoteTexas.gov. Election Day is November 3.

For now, the central contrast is straightforward. Trump portrayed Talarico’s absence as unexplained. Talarico had already publicly attributed it to flu.

FAQs

Why is James Talarico off the campaign trail?

He says he was diagnosed with flu in Dallas.

Is Talarico ahead of Paxton?

The cited Times/Siena poll placed him six points ahead.