Patrick Svitek speaks with Karl Rove during a one-on-one conversation at The Texas Tribune Festival 2026 on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

Credit: Eli Hartman / Texas Tribune Longtime Republican political operative Karl Rove said his party is being taken over by "Nazis" and railed against the moral failings of U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton during a one-on-one interview at the Texas Tribune Festival over the weekend.

The former George W. Bush White House deputy chief of staff's criticism comes as Republicans grow increasingly concerned they may rack up serious setbacks in the 2026 midterms as Democrats, including state Reps.