New audio suggests Texas Senate candidate was in Ohio mental health clinic during flu break

Audio released on social media by independent journalists claims that Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico was discharged from the Lindner Center of Hope, a mental-health facility in Mason, Ohio, during his recent campaign absence. The campaign has consistently said Talarico was recuperating from the flu in Texas, a claim now challenged by the recording. The woman who answered the call to the center reportedly confirmed the discharge that evening, though the facility itself has not provided confirmation.

After a roughly 12-day gap from public events, Talarico reappeared at the Austin City Limits music festival. White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller responded by urging Talarico to release his medical records. Some social-media users note that other individuals share his name, adding uncertainty to the allegation.