Democrat James Talarico (D-TX) reappeared Friday, Oct. 9, at Austin City Limits after no in-person campaign events since Sept. 26, which his campaign blamed on the flu, and answered Trump's call for a debate with Attorney General Ken Paxton: "I agree. Ball's in your court."
- Absence length is disputed: 13 days per the Washington Examiner, 10 days per Bloomberg.
- Ad spending by campaigns and outside groups tops $247 million, per AdImpact (PBS NewsHour).
- Paxton, Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz all mocked the absence.