Texas Senator-elect James Talarico made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live during the show’s cold open on November 7. The 37-year-old Democrat, who recently secured a historic Senate victory, walked onto the stage to interrupt a sketch featuring James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump. The segment focused on the aftermath of the midterm elections, which saw significant Democratic gains across the country.
During the exchange, Talarico leaned into his public image, introducing himself to the audience by saying, “Hi America, I am James Talarico, the guy who has been texting you everyday asking for $5.” The joke drew laughter from the crowd, acknowledging the aggressive fundraising tactics often associated with modern political campaigns.
The sketch also featured appearances by Kenan Thompson as Hakeem Jeffries and Sarah Sherman as Chuck Schumer, who celebrated the party’s recent electoral successes. Talarico used his brief time on screen to suggest that voters were looking for something new, while also humorously critiquing the show’s own recurring political sketches. He questioned how many times the production would rely on Trump-themed cold opens, to which the character responded, “Infinity.”
Talarico’s appearance follows his victory in the Texas Senate race, where he defeated Republican Ken Paxton. This win is particularly notable as it marks the first time a Democrat has held the seat since 1988. Following his lighthearted segment, the senator-elect helped deliver the show’s iconic opening line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night.” The cameo highlights Talarico’s growing national profile, which has been bolstered by recent appearances on various media platforms. The episode was hosted by Druski, marking the first time a digital creator has taken on the hosting duties for the long-running comedy program.