Former Vice President Mike Pence says the Republican Party has “lost our way” after Texas Republicans nominate attorney Ken Paxton for a U.S. Senate seat. Speaking on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker, Pence frames the decision as a departure from what he describes as the party’s principles. At the same time, Pence argues Democrats are politically off track, saying they “have lost their mind.” The interviews focus on the upcoming Texas Senate race and who Pence would support, with Welker pressing him on his position following the nomination. Across the two accounts, Pence delivers a dual message: he criticizes his own party’s direction in connection with the Paxton nomination, while contrasting that with sharp criticism of Democrats. The reports present Pence’s remarks as part of his response to the nomination and as an indicator of his stance going into the general election.