NJ Comedian Known For Trump Impressions Is Running For Congress (VIDEO)

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — New Jersey comedian J-L Cauvin has captured national attention with his impersonations of President Donald Trump. But the issues facing his home state – and the rest of the nation – are no laughing matter, he says.

On Friday, Cauvin announced that he has thrown his hat into the ring as a Democratic candidate to replace Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th district (Bergen, Essex, Morris counties). Watch his campaign launch video here.

Cauvin – a Bloomfield resident – joins a crowded field of candidates who are seeking to succeed the governor-elect after she takes office.

Gov. Phil Murphy recently set an election date to replace Sherrill. A special primary election will take place on Feb. 5. A special general election will be held on April 16.

Cauvin says he plans to put his experience as a lawyer and community advocate to work for the district. The son of an Irish-Catholic mother and an immigrant father from Haiti, he earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington D.C., and has served as an assistant district attorney. He also has legal experience advocating on behalf of people facing eviction or other serious hardships.

Cauvin’s campaign platform includes “protecting our seniors,” affordable housing, creating a plan for artificial intelligence, banning Congressional stock trading and setting term limits, and supporting “free and fair elections.”

The Essex County resident thinks he also brings something to the table that not all politicians offer – a good sense of humor.

Cauvin has built a national audience as a stand-up comedian and impressionist, walking in the footsteps of great American satirists like Will Rogers, he says.

One of his favorite subjects? President Donald Trump.

Cauvin has nailed down millions of views with his videos of Trump, which date back to the president’s first term. He’s been featured on "The Late Late Show," "NESN Comedy All Stars," "Comics Unleashed," ESPN’s "The Dan Lebatard Show" and is a regular on "The Adam Carolla Show." The comedian has also poked fun at Trump before, releasing 2017’s "Fireside Craps," an album-length impression of the president.

Cauvin also sells personalized videos with birthday greetings or other messages as “Trump” on Cameo.

“I can barely tell the difference,” one viewer commented. “Sounds like the real thing in both voice and mentality.”

• See Related: NJ Comedian’s Trump Impression Gets Millions Of Views

If elected, Cauvin wouldn’t the first New Jersey politician who also moonlights as a comedian. Jon Bramnick, a Republican state senator in the 21st district, was once named as the “funniest lawyer in New Jersey” by his fellow lawyers at the state bar association.

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'PRO-TRUMP' IMPRESSIONIST

Other New Jersey comedians besides Cauvin have been getting national attention for their Trump impressions – and parlaying the laughs into a payday.

Bob DiBuono, a Clifton-based comedian who headlines around the country, has made a name for himself appearing at weddings, corporate events and other gatherings. He has appeared as Donald Trump on Comedy Central, TBS, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Coachella 2019, among other high-profile venues.

Unlike Cauvin, however, he has taken a different tack with his impressions, positively portraying the president at “pro-Trump” parties, including Republican fundraisers.

“Bob was a YUGE hit,” one fan wrote in a review. “His comedy had us all rolling and the impersonation was spot on.”

DiBuono also sells Cameo messages as “Trump,” charging fees that start at $275 for a personal video and $800 for a business video. According to DiBuono’s profile, his videos are often requested for birthday celebrations, roasts and pep talks – with plenty of jabs at “Sleepy Joe” and “Crooked Hillary” thrown into the mix.

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