US Midterm LIVE: Talarico MIA? Paxton Mocks Democrat’s Absence | Texas Senate Race Heats Up | N18G

This live news segment from CNN-News18 looks at the Texas Senate race in the 2026 US midterm elections. Republican candidate Ken Paxton questioned the whereabouts of Democratic rival James Talarico, who has spent nearly two weeks away from in-person campaign events. The video notes that Talarico's campaign says he has been recovering from the flu and is expected back on the trail this weekend. The report also covers Donald Trump's call for a debate between the two candidates. Talarico has welcomed the challenge, but no debate has been scheduled at the time of the video.

• Ken Paxton questions James Talarico's absence from campaign events at a San Antonio rally with Donald Trump
• Talarico's campaign says he is recovering from the flu and will return this weekend
• Trump has called for a debate; Talarico has accepted, but none is scheduled

Is James Talarico missing in action? Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton is turning up the pressure on his Democratic rival after Talarico spent nearly two weeks away from in-person campaign events. Paxton questioned Talarico’s whereabouts at a campaign rally in San Antonio alongside President Donald Trump, making the Democrat’s absence a talking point in one of the most closely watched Senate contests of the 2026 US midterm elections. Talarico’s campaign says he has been recovering from the flu and is expected to return to the campaign trail this weekend. The controversy has escalated as Trump has also called for a debate between the two candidates. Talarico has welcomed the challenge, but no debate has been scheduled. #trump #JamesTalarico #KenPaxton #TexasSenateRace #TexasPolitics #USMidterms #MidtermElections2026 #USMidtermPolls #Trump #SenateRace #ElectionNews #USPolitics #LiveNews CNN-News18 is your trusted source for breaking news, updates, and in-depth analysis from around the world. CNN-News18 is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights, helping you stay informed and up-to-date. Subscribe Now and join our community of informed and engaged viewers. Follow Every Breaking Story LIVE 🔴 Watch News18 LIVE 24x7: https://youtube.com/live/rfDx1HMvXbQ Follow us on Google: news18.co/cn18g Follow CNN News18 on X: https://x.com/CNNnews18 Follow CNN News18 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnnews18/ Follow CNN News18 on Facebook: facebook.com/cnnnews18 #GetCloserToTheNews with latest headlines on politics, sports and entertainment on news18.com News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube