Trump Calls James Talarico ‘Radical Left Lunatic,’ Mocks His ‘Vegan’ Diet as He Backs Ken Paxton for Senate

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched another personal attack on Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, mocking him as a “vegan” and a “Radical Left Lunatic” while reaffirming his “complete and total endorsement” of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ahead of the November midterm elections.

In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Oct. 17, Trump described Talarico as the “ANTITHESIS of Texas Values” and praised Paxton as the greatest attorney general in Texas history.

“Ken Paxton is the Greatest Attorney General in the History of Texas, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next U.S. Senator from Texas — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.

The president’s latest remarks come amid his efforts to consolidate Republican support behind Paxton as the Texas Senate race draws national attention. The contest has become increasingly competitive, with Democrats hoping to win a statewide Texas race for the first time in more than three decades. Reuters reported earlier this month that Trump had made repeated trips to Texas to campaign for Paxton.

Trump Mocks Talarico Over Vegan Diet

Trump’s latest post continued his use of the nickname “TalaFREAKO” for Talarico, a Democratic state representative from Austin seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate.

“He’s a vegan,” Trump said during the rally, claiming that Talarico had become ill after attempting to eat meat. Trump also suggested that the candidate’s absence from in-person campaign appearances was suspicious.

Talarico’s campaign had said he tested positive for influenza after becoming ill. He appeared remotely at a candidate forum while recovering, according to reporting by The Washington Post.

The attacks have also followed a wider wave of speculation about Talarico’s health. In an Oct. 15 report, The Guardian documented how right-wing figures amplified unsupported claims that the candidate had experienced a mental health crisis. Talarico’s campaign had attributed his absence to influenza.

Why Trump Is Backing Ken Paxton

Paxton, Texas’ Republican attorney general, secured Trump’s support in the Republican Senate primary after a bitter contest with incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

Trump’s endorsement has been central to Paxton’s effort to unite Republicans behind his candidacy. However, the race has exposed divisions within the party, with some Republican leaders and donors having supported Cornyn during the primary.

Trump has publicly blamed Cornyn and Republican strategist Karl Rove for failing to rally behind Paxton. In a post reported by The Texas Tribune on Oct. 15, the president said the two should bear responsibility if Paxton loses the election.

Paxton has also faced scrutiny over past legal and ethical controversies. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 but acquitted by the state Senate. He has denied wrongdoing in matters involving his office, while separate controversies have continued to feature in the campaign.

Despite Trump’s backing, the Republican candidate faces a substantial challenge. An Associated Press report published Oct. 16 said Democratic support for Talarico remained strong as Republican-aligned groups poured money into efforts to defeat him.

Texas Senate Race Becomes a National Battle

The contest between Paxton and Talarico has drawn national attention because control of the Senate could hinge on a small number of competitive races.

Republicans have traditionally dominated statewide elections in Texas, but the 2026 contest has become a closely watched battleground. Talarico has sought to appeal to voters concerned about affordability and political corruption, while Paxton has emphasised conservative positions on immigration, gun rights and other issues.

Trump has argued that Talarico’s views are incompatible with Texas values and has portrayed Paxton as the candidate best positioned to represent the state in Washington.

The president’s latest endorsement comes as Republicans attempt to overcome divisions left by the primary and persuade voters to unite behind their nominee.

With the Nov. 3 midterm elections approaching, Trump’s involvement could remain a defining feature of the race. Whether his attacks on Talarico and repeated appeals for Paxton translate into greater Republican support will be determined by Texas voters.