Iowa will be an early destination for Alec Baldwin as he tries to boost Democratic prospects in next year’s midterm elections. The actor who just won an Emmy for portraying President Donald Trump in “Saturday Night Live” sketches will be the keynote speaker at the Iowa Democratic Party’s annual fundraiser next month. Baldwin recently told USA Today,

“My only hope is that people will watch the show, and enjoy the show and think the show is funny, and then go out and vote next year in the midterm election, and start to change the direction we’re going,” he added. “Because I’ve never been more fearful about the future of the country than I am now.”

In a statement enclosed in full below, Baldwin said, “I have decided to rededicate my efforts to helping the Democratic party win across the country” in 2018, a campaign that “begins in earnest in Iowa on Monday, November 27th.”

The Fall Gala (known as the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner until last year) has typically been the Iowa Democratic Party’s largest event of the year. Tickets are available here; $50 will buy a bleacher seat, not including dinner. Tickets including a meal start at $125.

Iowa Democratic Party press release, October 9 (emphasis in original):

Alec Baldwin To Headline Iowa Democratic Party Fall Gala
Emmy-award winning actor will rally Democrats on November 27 ahead of 2018 elections.

Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Democratic Party announced today that progressive advocate and Emmy-Award winning actor Alec Baldwin will be taking the stage as the 2017 Iowa Democratic Party Fall Gala Keynote Speaker.

While Alec Baldwin captured national attention for his portrayal of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, he is just as committed to putting a stop to the irresponsible lawmaking in DC and places like Iowa. Ahead of the premier of the 43rd season of Saturday Night Live, he told reporters that he hoped that his work would inspire Americans to vote in the midterm elections.

“Heading into the 2018 midterm elections and beyond, I have decided to rededicate my efforts to helping the Democratic party win across the country. That effort begins in earnest in Iowa on Monday, November 27th,” said Mr. Baldwin. “There will be many more opportunities both before and after, and you can plan on seeing me out there with folks on the ground fighting this most important battle for our future.”

“We are so excited to welcome Alec Baldwin to Iowa, and to have him lend his voice to the growing chorus of people who are ready to see change in Iowa. He will be able to provide a unique and entertaining perspective on the challenges facing our country and how we can work together to rebuild our party,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price. “There is no question we’ve got our work cut out for us next year. We’re not backing down, and we’re not taking anything for granted. This year’s dinner will highlight the strength of our great ticket, as well as the passion and commitment Democrats have to take back our state.”

The son of a local school teacher, Alec Baldwin grew up on Long Island, NY. He attended the George Washington University and New York University before landing his initial role on the soap opera The Doctors. This began a career that has spanned nearly 30 years and includes memorable roles in films such as Beetlejuice, The Hunt for Red October, and The Cooler, and TV shows such as Knot’s Landing, 30 Rock, and Saturday Night Live – where his parody of the President has defined satire in the age of Trump. In all, Baldwin has earned three Emmys and ten other Emmy Nominations, three Golden Globes and seven Golden Globe nominations, and one Academy Award Nomination.

In addition to his acting, Baldwin has been a tireless advocate for progressive and philanthropic causes. Baldwin is on the board of People For the American Way and is active in the animal rights movement. He campaigned for Democratic political icons Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Paul Wellstone, and Ted Kennedy. The Alec Baldwin Foundation has supported several causes since it was founded in 2006, including efforts to address homelessness, eliminate the death penalty, and finding cures for breast cancer and AIDS.

The Iowa Democratic Party’s Annual Fall Gala will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 at the Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Get your tickets here.