WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Maine State Representative Craig Hickman “Stole the Show” on Night Two of Democratic National Convention

Last night, State Representative Craig Hickman, the first openly gay African American man to serve in Maine House of Representatives, “stole the show” during last night’s roll call at the Democratic National Convention when he formally cast Maine’s votes to nominate Joe Biden for the next President of the United States.

WATCH:

News coverage praised the “Roll Call Across America” for showcasing the “uniqueness of each state” and how “majestic” the country is while highlighting Rep. Hickman’s story, while Maine legislators and leaders applauded Rep. Hickman for “making Maine proud every day."

Here’s what news outlets and people across the country are saying about State Representative Craig Hickman’s roll call vote:

Meena Harris (Niece, Senator Kamala Harris):

https://twitter.com/meenaharris/status/1295903030714433537

Bangor Daily News: Winthrop legislator charms at DNC

“A Maine state representative presented the state’s delegates at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday. Rep. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, made a 30-second appearance from his farm, describing how he was living his “American dream” of having an organic farm on a lake, a farmstand and a bed-and-breakfast and praising Democratic nominee Joe Biden. Like Maggie Rogers’ appearance from the Scarborough coast the night before, Hickman’s appearance generated a lot of (correct) online takes about how idyllic Maine is in the summer.”

LGBTQ Nation: LGBTQ people played a huge role in Joe Biden’s nomination to be President

“LGBTQ people had prominent roles in the keynote address during the second day of the Democratic National Convention [...] Maine was represented by State Rep. Craig Hickman, the first gay and Black member of the Maine legislature. He talked about being a small business owner, running an organic farm stand and a bed and breakfast with his husband.”

Slate: The DNC’s Roll Call Made Me Feel More Patriotic Than I Have in Years

“Are you aware of how majestic this country is? Have you ever fully comprehended the vast diversity of architecture, geology, and fashion choices this great nation holds? If not, I suggest you watch the roll call from beginning to end [...] You’ve got Maine state Rep. Craig Hickman, a Black gay man who owns a farm and bed-and-breakfast, bragging about his life. “My American dream? I’m living it!” he exclaimed. You sure are, Rep. Hickman! And I am jealous.”

Buzzfeed News: Here Are The Beautiful, Powerful, And Funny Moments From The State Roll Call Nominating Joe Biden For President

“Democrats nominated Joe Biden for president Tuesday night from dozens of locations in a roll call vote that was shockingly entertaining, weird, and great [...] the roll call built from something fun to something fascinating and deep: the uniqueness of each state to the other, all in one frame, all together in one sentiment during a time when people are physically separated [...] In a nod to rural America, a Black farmer in Maine, state Rep. Craig Hickman, announced 22 votes for Biden while standing in front of a barn.”

WMTW: Maine state rep. helps nominate Biden

“Speaking to WMTW before the vote he says Tuesday night's roll call is his favorite part of the conventions, as it's the true official act: selecting their party's nominee. This year, of course, former Vice President Joe Biden. "It's time for a new beginning. Sometimes we have to go back in order to go forward. Joe Biden represents an administration that dug us out of a ditch." Hickman said.”

Maine Public: Maine Delegate In Spotlight At DNC As State Casts Most Of Its Ballots For Biden

“Hickman spoke briefly via recorded video during the DNC roll call. He said as president of an organic farm in Winthrop, he's living the American dream.”

Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra:

https://twitter.com/kathleen_marra/status/1296155816018554883