Texas Senate Winner James Talarico Jumps Into SNL Cold Open
The newly elected senator appeared alongside a sketch version of President Trump to celebrate the Democratic gains in the midterm elections.
By Lina Lewis ·
James Talarico, who won a U.S. Senate seat in Texas on Tuesday, made a surprise live appearance on Saturday Night Live. The state lawmaker and seminarian joined the cast to mark the shift in control of Congress and the statehouse. His presence on the show followed his victory over state Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The Democratic wave election also saw Gina Hinojosa defeat Governor Greg Abbott. In the House and Senate races, Democrats secured majorities. These results positioned New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries as the likely next House speaker in January. The show’s cold open focused on these specific gains rather than a general recap of the night.
Kenan Thompson portrayed Representative Jeffries, while Sarah Sherman played Senator Chuck Schumer. Sherman’s character described the pair as establishment Democrats. Thompson’s Jeffries proposed a toast to the victories. The sketch centered on the unexpected success of the Democratic ticket in a traditionally Republican state.
James Austin Johnson played President Donald Trump, who crashed the celebration. He labeled the Democratic surge a blue Toonami, a reference to a late-night anime block on Cartoon Network. Johnson’s character stated that he accepted the election results. He described the acceptance as almost scarier than losing, suggesting it implied a hidden plan. The only plan he identified was a ballroom project.
Talarico stepped into the spotlight in front of the sketch version of the president. The studio audience in New York City responded with loud applause. Talarico introduced himself to the audience as the man who had been texting supporters daily for five dollars. Johnson’s Trump responded to the comment by noting the current economic conditions.
Talarico suggested working with the Republican president to improve life for everyday Americans. He cited the desire for something new and different, joking that this referred to the show’s cold opens. He asked how many more Trump freezers the program would produce. Johnson answered with the word infinity. The two characters then combined their voices to deliver the standard live from New York introduction.
Talarico campaigned on reducing wealth disparity and political corruption. His appearance on the program serves as a immediate cultural reaction to his election win. The show airs on NBC, a network owned by NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is the parent company of NBC News, which reported on the event.
