James Talarico appears in Austin City Limits, nine days after he was last seen publicly on the campaign trail

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico was seen speaking with potential voters at Austin City Limits Friday afternoon, after an extended absence from in-person campaign events due to the flu, according to his campaign.

Talarico’s campaign confirmed Friday that the state representative was at the festival. A video posted to X by a Texas Monthly contributor showed Talarico shaking hands and taking photos with attendees.

Earlier Friday, Talarico’s campaign said he was battling the flu and would return to campaigning this weekend.

Questions about Talarico’s whereabouts circulated on social media after he went nine days without making a public appearance.

Talarico last appeared at an in-person campaign event in Carrollton on September 26 and later that day attended the State Fair of Texas. He also reportedly attended a fundraiser in New York on September 29.

On September 30, Talarico was scheduled to participate in an in-person interview with the CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council in Edinburgh. Instead, he joined virtually and explained why he couldn’t attend.

“I started feeling bad a few days ago, and last night it got so bad that I went to the emergency room in Dallas and was diagnosed with the flu,” Talarico said. “So I have a fever and I’m the most contagious right now. I guess I shook too many hands on the campaign trail.”

Talarico’s absence has also become a talking point among Republicans. President Donald Trump and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton discussed it at a rally in San Antonio earlier this week.

The illness comes at a critical time in the Senate campaign, with early voting scheduled to begin October 19.

Talarico’s campaign has attracted national attention, but some of his supporters have expressed concerns on social media about whether his absence could affect his momentum.

Talarico is expected to appear at a fundraiser in Dallas on Sunday evening.