James Talarico made an unexpected appearance on Saturday Night Live just days after his historic Texas election victory. He joined James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump impersonation in the show’s opening sketch. The Texas senator-elect surprised viewers by interrupting the president’s political rant and even teaming up with him to deliver the comedy show’s iconic opening line.
James Talarico appears alongside James Austin Johnson’s Trump impersonation
The cold open began with Johnson’s Trump interrupting a Democratic celebration following the midterm elections, in which Democrats regained control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Taking aim at several election winners, the president mocked their names, including Georgia senator Jon Ossoff, Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed, and Texas senator-elect Talarico.
“I hope you enjoy what you voted for,” Johnson’s Trump declared. “[Georgia senator] Jon Ossoff, or as I call him, Thinky Herman. [Michigan senator-elect] Abdul El-Sayed, or as I call him, Mamdani for men. And of course, down in Texas, Tala-freak-o.”
Just as Trump mentioned his name, the real Talarico walked onto the stage. Introducing himself to viewers across the country, the 37-year-old politician poked fun at his campaign fundraising efforts. He joked, “Hi America, I’m James Talarico, the guy who’s been texting you every day asking for $5.” Trump responded, “In this economy, who can blame you?”
Talarico then said, “But I think, Mr. President, if we can work together, we can make life better for everyday Americans.” However, he soon turned the conversation towards SNL’s recurring cold opens.
The Texas senator-elect was referring to a running gag involving Johnson’s Trump, whose appearances frequently feature the action freezing while the president launches into a lengthy commentary on American politics. Playing along, Talarico asked, “How many of these Trump freezers are they going to do?”
“Infinity,” Johnson’s Trump replied. Johnson has portrayed the president since 2021. Talarico then joined him to deliver the show’s signature line: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”
The appearance came after Talarico defeated Republican candidate Ken Paxton on November 3, flipping the Texas Senate seat to the Democrats for the first time since 1961.
Hosted by Druski, the episode also featured Talarico during the goodnights. He stood alongside Emma Stone, hugged Dave Chappelle, and chatted with Weekend Update host Colin Jost.
