Democratic Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman has accused Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., of seeking his endorsement for her U.S. Senate campaign during a vulnerable moment in his life. Hoffman stated that while he was in intensive care following an assassination attempt in June 2025, a ‘dear and trusted friend’ approached him twice seeking endorsement on behalf of Craig. Once while he was in the ICU and later at home during recovery. Hoffman asserted that this friend confirmed the endorsement requests originated from Congresswoman Craig.
Hoffman made these comments during a campaign rally for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, also contending for the Democratic Senate nomination. ‘When [Craig] requested my endorsement, it occurred when our family’s plight was widely recognized. Peggy Flanagan, in contrast, checked on us out of genuine concern,’ Hoffman remarked at a St. Paul event attended by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
On being questioned about these allegations, a spokesperson for Flanagan stated, ‘That’s a matter between Congresswoman Craig and the Hoffmans.’
A spokesperson for Craig issued a statement categorically denying the claim. ‘The Congresswoman only reached out to express sympathy in the ICU, and did not contact again until August 5, following Hoffman’s political endorsements in other races,’ the spokesperson advised. Craig continues to hold Hoffman and his family in her thoughts, wishing them recovery.
Craig refuted Hoffman’s assertions during an interview with KMSP-TV of Minneapolis. Hoffman responded firmly, stating, ‘I told the truth about what Yvette and I experienced,’ referring to his wife, also injured in the assassination attempt.
Text messages supplied by Craig’s campaign to NBC News revealed her sharing supportive words with the Hoffmans on June 14, the day of the shooting, and a subsequent August 5 message expressing interest in discussing the Senate race when Hoffman felt ready. Hoffman left the ICU on July 7.
NBC News attempts to confirm the identity of Hoffman’s referred ‘dear and trusted friend’ have persistently been unnewsworthy.
Sen. Erin Maye Quade, sharing her encounter at the ICU rehabilitation center in late July, told NBC News that Hoffman recounted someone seeking endorsement for Craig. ‘He mentioned a friend, also Angie’s campaign surrogate, approached him. We both agreed it was improper,’ Quade stated, adding the story’s openness since and its mention by Hoffman in subsequent dialogues.
Hoffman further highlighted in his statement the ‘difference’ in Flanagan’s contact, stating she checked in only out of concern. ‘My remarks reflected that contrast, and I stand by every word,’ Hoffman remarked. He emphasized that while Craig might contest his endorsement choice, she should not challenge his family’s experience or question his integrity.
Vance Boelter, recently found guilty of stalking and shooting the Hoffmans, and implicated in the murders of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her spouse, Mark Hortman, has been sentenced to life in prison twice, with an additional 40 years.
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