Actor Tony Goldwyn, who famously played a president on TV in ABC's "Scandal," has arrived for the primetime hour of the DNC's first night.

Goldwyn said the choice between Harris and Trump is between "two very different futures" for our middle class, reproductive rights, climate, security, schools and "the future of our very democracy."

He said Harris has a message for America.

"It is a message that's joyful, not mean-spirited, a message of public service, not self-service, a message of optimism and opportunity, not chaos and division. A message that has woken us up to who we are, to who we've always," he said.

Harris sent the crowd into a frenzy when she walked onto the stage at the United Center, with attendees jumping to their feet in surprise.

"It is so good to be with everyone this evening in this hall and everyone at home. This is going to be a great week," she said to more applause.

Harris also gave Biden his flowers, sparking chants of "USA!"

"And I want to kick us off by celebrating our incredible president, Joe Biden, who will be speaking later tonight," she said. "We are forever grateful to you."

Harris walked off to her campaign anthem, Beyonce's hit song "Freedom."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made several jabs at former President Donald Trump during her speech at the convention.

Hochul cited Trump's history of stiffing workers, sexually harassing women and his recent conviction in a Manhattan court.

"Donald Trump was born a New Yorker, but ended up a fraud, a philanderer and a felon," she said.

"New Yorkers are sick of it. It's no wonder he had to flee to Mar-A-Lago. Sorry about that, Florida," Hochul added.

The governor touted Harris' work in bringing new jobs to New York state and stressed Americans must vote to protect the middle class and abortion rights.

Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter Jason Isbell performed his song "Something More Than Free," about the struggle of blue-collar life, for the evening's second performance.