Joe Piscopo

Joe Piscopo stands on the floor at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July.

(Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

TRENTON -- Live from Trenton, it's ... Joe Piscopo?

The former "Saturday Night Live" star met with Gov. Chris Christie at the Statehouse on Thursday to discuss the idea of running for governor next year, according to a report by PolitickerNJ.

Piscopo, now a radio show host, is a former Democrat and now an independent but he would run as a Republican, the report said, citing unnamed sources.

Piscopo attended the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in July, mingling with New Jersey's delegation.

Christie's office did not return a message late Thursday seeking comment.

This isn't the first time Piscopo, 65, has flirted with a run. He considered one in 2004.

Piscopo was raised in North Caldwell and now lives in Lebanon Township in Hunterdon County.

He made his name in the early 1980s as a "SNL" cast member, often pairing with a young Eddie Murphy.

Experts expect Democrats to win back the governor's office, with Christie's approval ratings at all-time lows. Former banking executive Phil Murphy is considered the front-runner.

The Republican primary, meanwhile, could be a crowded affair. State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset) and businessman Joseph Rullo are the only declared candidates, though Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno is expected to launch a bid and Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick (R-Union) hasn't ruled out running.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.