Trump Supporting Comedian's Political Plans?

Joe Piscopo won’t run as a Republican in New Jersey’s upcoming governor’s race, but the comedian best known for his Frank Sinatra impression on Saturday Night Live says he is “more serious” than ever about joining the field as an independent.

Piscopo was a longtime Democrat who recently became a backer of Republican President Donald Trump. His potential candidacy to replace Republican Gov. Chris Christie has been a constant question mark in New Jersey, which along with Virginia is one of only two governor’s races in the U.S. this year.

The news that the radio host is skipping the Republican primary and leaving the party to become an independent comes ahead of a pending registration deadline and sets him up for a long-shot third-party bid.

“I am more serious about this than ever before. We’re coming up with initiatives. It’s all working out,” he said. “I’m very, very excited to have an opportunity to help the people of New Jersey. I’m not being coy. I’m very careful and respectful.”