Texas Senator-elect James Talarico Makes Surprise SNL Appearance
The state lawmaker, who defeated Ken Paxton in a major Democratic upset, joined the sketch show to mock the election results and his own fundraising tactics.
By Andrew Yang ·
James Talarico, the Texas state lawmaker who won a U.S. Senate seat in a major upset Tuesday, appeared on “Saturday Night Live” to mark the start of the new episode. His victory over Republican state Attorney General Ken Paxton was part of a broader Democratic wave that included Gina Hinojosa’s win against Governor Greg Abbott and party majorities in both chambers of Congress.
The cold open featured Kenan Thompson playing Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sarah Sherman playing Sen. Chuck Schumer. Sherman’s character asked if the establishment Democrats knew how to lose. Thompson’s character replied that they did, but proposed a toast to their victory. He noted that the party had flipped both the House and the Senate.
James Austin Johnson, portraying President Donald Trump, interrupted the celebration. He labeled the Democratic surge a “blue Toonami,” a reference to a Cartoon Network anime block. He stated that he accepted the election results, suggesting that his acceptance made him look dangerous because he was planning a “Ballroom.”
Talarico then entered the scene to applause. He introduced himself as the person texting voters daily for five dollars. Trump’s character joked that in the current economy, such tactics were understandable. Talarico, who campaigned on reducing wealth disparity and fighting corruption, said he hoped to work with the president to improve life for everyday Americans.
The senator-elect suggested voters wanted a change, specifically regarding the show’s political sketches. He asked how many more Trump-centered cold opens the audience would tolerate. Trump’s character answered “Infinity.” The two then joined forces to deliver the show’s standard opening line, “Live from New York.”
The episode aired on NBC, the network that is part of NBCUniversal. The parent company also owns NBC News, which covered the Texas election results. Talarico’s appearance highlighted the cultural moment following the midterms, where Democrats secured key positions in a state historically dominated by Republicans.
