Texas Sen.-elect Talarico Makes Surprise SNL Cold Open Appearance

19 sourcesUpdated Nov 8, 20261 min read

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Texas senator-elect James Talarico made a surprise appearance in Saturday Night Live’s post-midterms cold open, drawing applause after Donald Trump’s character mocked his name as “Talafreako.” Talarico joked about his campaign’s frequent $5 fundraising appeals and the show’s recurring Trump sketches, and said he hoped to work with Trump to improve life for Americans. The sketch featured Kenan Thompson as Hakeem Jeffries and Sarah Sherman as Chuck Schumer celebrating Democratic victories, while James Austin Johnson’s Trump said he had accepted the election results and fixated on his proposed White House ballroom. Talarico defeated Republican Ken Paxton, becoming the first Texas Democrat elected to the Senate since 1988; Democrats also took control of both congressional chambers, and Gina Hinojosa won the Texas governor’s race.

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Oct 21, 2026Nov 8, 2026

Nov 8, 2026Progressive faith leaders including Talarico won races across Republican states in midterms.
Nov 8, 2026Texas Sen.-elect Talarico made surprise SNL cold open appearance after midterm victories.
Nov 4, 2026Democrat Nathan Johnson elected Texas attorney general to succeed Paxton.