Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder on Sunday dismissed speculation surrounding Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico's recent illness, insisting the campaign remains on track.
"We're full steam ahead. And, of course, you're going to see people in the swamps of the internet making up conspiracy theories. That's what they always do," Scudder told NewsNation's Chris Stirewalt on "The Hill Sunday."
Scudder noted that Talarico, who has Type 1 diabetes, is susceptible to longer recovery times. "But the fact of the matter is, people get sick sometimes when you're diabetic," he said. "It takes you a little while to get recovered."
Talarico made his first public appearance in more than a week on Friday, seen walking around the Austin City Limits music festival. He told a New York Times reporter at the event that he had been home in bed with a "nasty case of the flu."
His reappearance followed criticism from Republican opponent Ken Paxton and President Trump, who questioned the flu diagnosis and urged him to return to the campaign trail. The episode underscores the high stakes of the Texas Senate race, which has drawn national attention despite the state's Republican lean.
Democrats are hoping to capitalize on a challenging national environment for Republicans, including an unpopular war in Iran, Trump's sagging approval ratings, and voter concerns about the cost of living. Paxton, meanwhile, carries his own political baggage: he was impeached by the Texas House on corruption charges before being acquitted by the Texas Senate three years ago.
The race is one of several where Democrats see opportunities to compete in traditionally red territory. As the campaign intensifies, both parties are watching Texas closely, with control of the Senate potentially hinging on its outcome. For now, Scudder's message is clear: the Talarico campaign is moving forward, and he expects the candidate to be fully engaged in the days ahead.
