Texas state Rep. James Talarico returned to the campaign trail over the weekend after a nine-day absence caused by the flu, saying he had recovered and challenging Attorney General Ken Paxton to debate in the race for U.S. Senate. Talarico greeted voters at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on Friday and attended a Kacey Musgraves concert in Dallas on Saturday. He said he had consulted his primary care physician and described the illness as a severe case of the flu. Talarico has previously spoken publicly about having diabetes. “I got the flu and I’m feeling much better,” Talarico said in a Dallas interview. He said he spent much of his recovery resting and drinking fluids, continued campaign work from home and wanted to avoid exposing others to the illness. His absence prompted social media speculation, including claims from some conservatives and Paxton allies that Talarico had suffered a stress-related episode and was receiving treatment. Talarico denied those claims, saying, “I just had the flu and I feel much better,” and urged people not to believe everything they see online. The Democrat also used his return to press Paxton to meet him for a debate. Paxton won the Republican primary against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Talarico said Paxton had not answered a debate request in 85 days, and cited support for a debate from President Donald Trump and Fox News. “I think Ken Paxton should debate,” Talarico said, adding that he was “asking for proof of spine from him.” Early voting for the Nov. 3 election is scheduled to run from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30.