Sen. John Cornyn is going on offense against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as they fight for a Republican Senate runoff, and President Donald Trump’s endorsement hangs over it all. On Thursday, Cornyn’s campaign is releasing a new video that highlights corruption and personal allegations against Paxton. The video revisits Paxton’s impeachment trial and a securities fraud case. On Wednesday, Trump said he plans to endorse one of them before the May 26 runoff and expects the other candidate to quit. Paxton says he'll stay in the race even if Trump picks Cornyn. Republican leaders worry that Paxton’s troubles may risk the seat in the fall election.

Bill and Hillary Clinton are slated to testify this week in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, part of a deal with Republicans after it became clear that Congress — with the help of some Democrats — was on track to hold them in contempt if they refused to cooperate. For the battle-hardened couple, it amounts to one more Washington brawl. And like so many of the battles that came before, this one is another mix of questionable judgment, sexual impropriety, money and power.

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 24, the 55th day of 2026. There are 310 days left in the year.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is stepping up his race for the U.S. Senate with early voting about to begin for the March 3 GOP primary. On Monday night the Republican headlined his first scheduled campaign rally since entering the race. He's running against longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Paxton told supporters at an east Texas bar on Monday that Cornyn is backed by "the D.C. establishment." Republican Senate leaders have spent heavily attacking Paxton over his impeachment and personal scandals. Early voting starts Tuesday. Paxton plans several stops across Texas and has started airing ads that tie himself to President Donald Trump.