Ken Paxton Launches Tip Line to Find Absent Rival James Talarico

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a tip line and demanded proof of life from his Democratic US Senate rival, James Talarico, after Talarico disappeared from the campaign trail for approximately 10 to 13 days. The National Republican Senatorial Committee joined the effort, demanding flight records from New York, a doctor's note, and a current video to verify Talarico's reported illness.

Talarico's campaign attributed the absence to the flu, citing a September 30 Zoom appearance where the candidate stated he had visited an urgent care center in Dallas. The hiatus led to the cancellation of private fundraisers and public events, including an October 5 gathering in Austin that resulted in a $25,000 loss for organizers.

Hours after the tip line launched, a social media video showed Talarico attending the Austin City Limits festival. Talarico's campaign confirmed he was meeting voters at the festival and accused Paxton of avoiding debates while taking a European vacation. The confrontation occurs as the race remains tight ahead of early voting on October 19 and the November 3 midterm election.