Benny Johnson, Nick Sortor face scrutiny for continuing to push mental health facility claims about James Talarico
Benny Johnson and Nick Sortor face criticism for spreading unverified mental health claims about James Talarico’s absence.
Conservative commentators Benny Johnson and Nick Sortor have faced scrutiny over their claims that Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico was in a mental health facility during a 14-day absence from his campaign. The pair shared an audio recording they say links Talarico to the Lindner Center of Hope in Mason, Ohio. On the recording, a woman’s voice reportedly says, "It looks like he was just discharged this evening."
However, the facility has not independently confirmed that Talarico received treatment there, and the woman’s identity and role at the facility remain unverified. The audio alone does not establish the reasons behind Talarico’s absence or confirm the circumstances surrounding it. Sortor described the recording as an exclusive report and accused the Talarico campaign of misleading voters.
He questioned Talarico's ability to handle the pressures of the Senate position, suggesting the campaign needed a "real representative." Johnson also amplified the allegation, claiming the report was confirmed by a new video. However, no independently verified medical records or official confirmation from the facility have been made public.
The commentators faced criticism on social media, with some accusing them of spreading misinformation. Talarico's campaign disputed the allegations, and the audio has not been independently verified as conclusive evidence of Talarico’s treatment at the facility.
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