Updated October 4, 2026, 1:33 a.m. ET
“Saturday Night Live” is ready for midterms.
The sketch show’s final cold air broadcast, on October 3, showed Republicans taping a series of get-out-the-vote ads in response to “gloomy” polling ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Marcello Hernández) delivered a message to Latino voters, followed by Senator Mitch McConnell, who recently returned to the Senate after a long absence and questions about his health. Played by Mikey Day, a confused-looking McConnell remained completely frozen when asked to deliver his lines, despite flashing a peace sign.
Colin Jost reprized his role as Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, who urged “all of you patriots at home to do the gayest thing possible and vote” before segueing into “some weird slam poetry.”
“I put God back in the war, and it works,” Hegseth de Jost also said. “Our soldiers pray a lot more than before. I always hear them say: ‘Dear God, why?’ “
James Austin Johnson’s President Donald Trump finally took the stage to deliver his own midterm message.
“If the Republicans win, I’ll give everyone $5,000, and that’s not a bribe because I don’t intend to keep that promise,” he said. “So pretend I’m on the ballot, okay? You have to use something called imagination. Imagination makes a MAGA nation.”
Johnson’s Trump added: “I know it’s hard, but please vote for the Republicans,” including “scary” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is running for Senate. The skit ended with “SNL” Trump recording two separate messages to use if Republicans win or lose the midterm elections.
“We did it. We won!” Trump said in the version where the Republicans win. What if the Republicans lose? “We did it. We won!” he also said.
Dakota Johnson hosted the Oct. 3 episode of “SNL” and turned 37 midway through the series: The “Verity” star’s birthday is Oct. 4. Taylor Swift, whose music video for her song “Patient Zero” featured Johnson, made a surprise appearance in the monologue after the “Fifty Shades of Grey” actress referred to her “really supportive” friends.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my literal therapist,” Johnson said, pointing to Swift, his longtime friend.
“Actually, I’m not your therapist,” Swift said. “You come to my house once a week with an empty bottle of wine and ask me if I want some.”
Who will host ‘SNL’ next?
“SNL” returns next week with Shane Gillis, returning for the third time as host with musical guest Rosalía.
The show will then be on hiatus until October 31, when it will return for a Halloween episode with “Obsession” star Inde Navarrette, hosted by musical guest Gracie Abrams.
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