Texas Politics: Talarico Joins SNL Cold Open After Election Win

James Talarico, the newly elected senator from Texas, made a surprise appearance on the latest episode of 'Saturday Night Live' on Tuesday. His visit to the New York City studio followed his victory over Attorney General Ken Paxton in a race that flipped the state's only Senate seat to the Democrats.

The show's opening sketch featured cast members portraying New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer. Kenan Thompson played Jeffries, while Sarah Sherman portrayed Schumer. They celebrated the election results that likely secure Jeffries a speaker role in the incoming House. Schumer's character asked if the group knew how to lose, and Jeffries replied that they did, but proposed a toast to their success anyway.

James Austin Johnson, playing President Donald Trump, interrupted the celebration. He described the Democratic wave as a 'blue Toonami' and said he accepted the results. He added that his next major plan involved a ballroom. The character referred to Talarico as 'Talafreako' and suggested voters should enjoy the outcome.

Talarico then walked out to face the audience and the cast. He introduced himself as the man who had been texting constituents daily for five dollars. Trump's character responded that anyone could understand the need for funds in the current economy. Talarico suggested he would work with the president to improve life for everyday Americans, though he quickly shifted the topic to the show's format.

He asked how many political sketches about Trump the show would continue to air. Trump answered 'Infinity.' The two then combined their voices to deliver the standard 'Live from New York' introduction. Talarico, a state lawmaker and seminarian, defeated Paxton as part of a broader wave of Democratic wins in Texas.

Democrats captured every statewide office in the state on Tuesday. This included the governor's race, where state Rep. Gina Hinojosa won, ending a long stretch of Republican control. The victory positioned Talarico to join the Senate and work with a new congressional majority.

The episode aired on NBC. The network is part of NBCUniversal, which also owns NBC News. Talarico's appearance marked his first major media event since the election.