Dallas News. The senator-elect joined the show's post-election cold open, trading jokes with a fictional Donald Trump before delivering its famous opening line. Texas senator-elect James Talarico surprised the 'SNL' audience, joking with James Austin Johnson's Trump about $5 fundraising texts and the show's recurring political sketches. Democratic leader-elect James Talarico made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live, taking humorous jabs at Donald Trump during the show's cold open.