COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 19-year-old from Ohio State University has been picked as a young delegate to attend the DNC next week.
“I turn 20-years-old about three days before the convention begins,” said Josh Hickman as a DNC delegate.
Hickman is getting a once-in-a-lifetime experience as he will be attending the Democratic National Convention.
“I think it’s just going to be a unique experience,” said Hickman. “I can just keep doing that work of moving the party forward and trying to bring young people into the conversation while also rallying behind such an awesome candidate.”
He has already interned under Ohio Minority House Leader Allison Russo, and United States Democratic Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Hickman having been involved in politics since the eighth grade, and he now hopes to become a future lawmaker. He could be considered a young role model for other college students.
“So, it’s going to be one exciting to be a representative of Ohio’s Third Congressional District,” said Hickman. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with all these young leaders, show that it’s not just one of us who got to this place.”
He’s thrilled about presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running-mate Governor Tim Walz representing the Democratic Party this upcoming November. Hickman hopes he gets to see the first black-Asian American woman president in his lifetime if she were to win come November.
“I mean, historic campaign, right? And this is one of the reasons that I had actually supported her in the 2020 primary when she ran for president,” Hickman said. “But what I love about Kamala Harris is even though she’s been a barrier breaker her whole life, coming from immigrant parents in a middle-class family, she just focuses on getting stuff done.”
On Walz’s list of achievements, there is one that for Hickman that takes the top spot.
“The fact that he secured universal schools,” Hickman said. “School lunches and breakfasts for all kids in the state. I think that is just amazing. I went to kids who would go hungry at school who sometimes that would affect their learning as well. So it’s policies like that I think young people can get behind and America will be able to get behind.”
Hickman says this election has been unprecedented. Historically, conventions have been held every four years to officially nominate the party’s chosen candidate. Earlier this month, the DNC confirmed their nominee in a virtual roll call, to help make sure ballot deadlines were met in several states. Harris will get a chance to formally accept her party’s nomination at the convention.
“We’ve already nominated virtually,” Hickman said. “But we are pumping up and getting really excited for one of the most historic campaigns that we’ve seen in the history of this country.”