State lawmaker and seminarian James Talarico made a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live" following his major U.S. Senate race victory in Texas. Talarico, who helped lead Democratic Party upsets in the Republican stronghold, appeared alongside an impression of President Donald Trump to kick off the latest episode.
James Talarico SNL Appearance Surprises Viewers
Fresh off his midterm election victory, James Talarico stepped into the spotlight in front of the New York City studio audience to loud applause. He joked about his campaign strategy, telling the audience, "I’m James Talarico, the guy who’s been texting you every day asking for $5."
During the sketch, Donald Trump, played by James Austin Johnson, referred to the senator-elect as "Talafreako." Talarico, who campaigned on battling wealth disparity and political corruption, suggested working with the Republican president to improve life for everyday Americans. Talarico also poked fun at the show itself, questioning how many political cold-open sketches viewers would have to sit through before the show concluded with its trademark introduction.
Midterm Election Upsets in Texas
The surprise television appearance follows a massive political shift in Texas. Key highlights of the recent vote include:
- James Talarico defeated GOP state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate race.
- Democrats secured majorities in both the House and Senate.
- Gina Hinojosa secured an upset win against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.
- New York’s Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer celebrated the party's victories during the show's cold open.
Trump Reacts to the Blue Wave
During the sketch, the fictionalized Donald Trump addressed the election outcomes, calling the Democratic victory wave a "blue Toonami" in reference to Cartoon Network’s anime block. Trump noted that he accepted the results of the midterm election, telling the audience he plans to focus on "Ballroom."
Despite political differences, both James Talarico and the Donald Trump impersonator shared the stage to jointly deliver the program's famous opening line, "Live from New York ... "
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did James Talarico defeat in the U.S. Senate race?
James Talarico defeated GOP state Attorney General Ken Paxton to secure his victory in Texas.
What did James Talarico joke about during his SNL cameo?
Talarico joked that he was the guy who had been texting viewers every day asking for $5, and he also questioned how many political cold-open sketches the show would perform.
Who else won major upset races in Texas alongside Talarico?
Democrats celebrated Gina Hinojosa’s upset win against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, alongside majorities secured in the House and Senate.