Saturday Night Live’s latest cold open mocked the debate between every candidate running for mayor of New York City, where the show is taped.
Actor Miles Teller portrayed independent candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, next to Ramy Youssef’s portrayal of Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, while comedian Shane Gillis portrayed Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
“You’re all running to be mayor of New York City. So my question is, why would you want the worst job in the world?” castmember Kenan Thompson asked as the debate moderator.
“As we all know, as soon as you are elected mayor, everyone in the city immediately hates you,” Teller said as he impersonated Cuomo. “And in that way, I am already one step ahead of the game.”
When the question came to Youssef, who was doing his impersonation as Mamdani, Youssef made fun of Mamdani’s campaign promises.
“I want to be mayor so I can deliver a better New York: free healthcare, affordable housing, free Wi-Fi,” Youssef said. “As mayor, can I make that happen? I’m not sure yet, but together, we’re going to find out that the answer is no.”
Gillis responded to the question while parodying Sliwa simply with: “I need a job.”
Later, Kam Patterson appeared onstage to impersonate Mayor Eric Adams. Patterson wrapped his hand on Teller’s shoulder to say, “If you like me, you’re gonna love this guy. He like me, part two.”
While Adams did in fact endorse Cuomo, Teller shrugged Patterson off and urged him to “remember the plan.”
“Oh yeah. I got you. For sure. I, Eric Adams, endorse him, Zorgon Mamagrandma,” Patterson said.
“No, no thank you,” Youssef responded.
The final question came from Thompson, when he asked the candidates, “From congestion pricing to homelessness to ICE raids, there are many issues facing our city. What do you think is the biggest problem you have to confront as mayor?”
Cast member James Austin Johnson emerged onstage to impersonate President Donald Trump.
“It’s me!” Johnson said. Yes, they can pretend this election is about housing and taxes, but we all know it’s about me, right? Cause I’m going to be very involved, very hands-on. This guy knows about hands-on, right, Cuomo?”
Johnson referenced the sexual harassment lawsuit against Cuomo that was settled earlier this year. The scandal, which included allegations from as many as 11 women, prompted Cuomo to resign from office as governor in 2021.
Trump has been accused of meddling in the race with reported calls to Cuomo and an alleged job offer to Adams to encourage him to drop out before he finally did. The president grew up in New York City and has multiple real estate interests there.
