Ken Paxton touts ‘missing Talarico’ flyers across Texas

Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton mocked opponent James Talarico’s notable absence from the campaign trail, sharing a missing persons flyer featuring the Democratic nominee.

Paxton posted photos of missing posters that have popped up across Texas, including outside Kyle Field at Texas A&M University in College Station, in Fort Worth, and in Dallas. It comes after Talarico, who came down with the flu, reportedly canceled two campaign events and has not appeared publicly since Sept. 28.

“ MISSING: James Talarico. Missing posters are popping up across Texas as the search continues,” the caption reads. “LAST SEEN: 12 days ago. Texans everywhere are asking: where is James Talarico?”

The flyers feature the word “MISSING” at the top of the page. Under Talarico’s name, it reads: “Occupation: Radical Democrat Socialist.” The flyer states Talarico was “last seen” in New York City, and that the candidate’s current status was listed as “case open – whereabouts unknown.”

The posters were an apparent jab at the Democratic Senate nominee’s decision to campaign and fundraise in New York ahead of the critical Senate race. Talarico’s decision to attend campaign events outside the Lone Star State drew backlash from critics.

President Donald Trump joined Paxton in calling out Talarico’s absence from the campaign trail.

TRUMP FUELS RUMORS ABOUT JAMES TALARICO’S CAMPAIGN TRAIL ABSENCE

“Ladies and Gentlemen, upon information and belief, James TalaFREAKo, who is running for the United States Senate in Texas, is MISSING IN ACTION!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social late Wednesday night. “No one has seen him for an extended period of time. Where is he? What is wrong with him? Bad rumors are coming out.”

Trump urged the two to debate, to which Talarico responded on Thursday on X, saying, “President Trump just said Ken Paxton should debate. I agree. Ball’s in your court [Paxton].”