Craig V. Hickman (born December 8, 1967) is an American writer,[1] farmer,[2] and Democratic politician from Maine currently representing Maine Senate District 14. He served in the 126th Maine House of Representatives as the representative for Maine's 82nd district from 2012-2018. Hickman won his 2012 primary election by nearly 80%,[3] and campaigned on ending hunger,[4][5] eliminating regulations for small farms and businesses, and investing in sustainable energy initiatives.[6] Hickman was elected to the Maine Senate in a 2021 special election, succeeding Shenna Bellows.[7]
Early life and career
Hickman was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 8, 1967. He is of African-American heritage. He attended high-school at Rufus King High School[8] in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was valedictorian. Hickman attended college at Harvard University, graduating in 1990 with a bachelor's degree in Government. He first ran for the Maine House in 2010, losing to incumbent Patrick Flood.[9] In 2012 he won his primary election by a sizable margin, and then the general election on November 6, 2012, beating Republican Scott Davis 59%–41%.[10][11] Two years later, in the midst of a Republican wave, Hickman won re-election against Republican Lee Fellman by a landslide margin, 65%-35%.[12]
He operates the 25-acre historic Annabessacook Farm Bed & Breakfast,[15] where he regularly serves free meals to underprivileged citizens.[11][16][17][18] Hickman also writes one of the top-ranked independent sports blogs on the internet,[19] and is past President of the Winthrop Area Rotary Club.[20]
Hickman was seriously burned on July 10, 2018 while attempting to light a brush pile on fire.[15][21]
Achievements
Hickman's book Fumbling Toward Divinity was a finalist in the Spirituality category at the 2006 Lambda Literary Awards.[22] In addition, he has received a fellowship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council,[1] a Gertrude Johnson Literary Award,[23] the James Baldwin Award for Cultural Achievement,[24] and a Spirit of America Foundation Award.[25]
