Democratic Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman revealed that Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., sought his endorsement for her U.S. Senate campaign while he recovered from a shooting attempt in June 2025. Hoffman stated to NBC News that a friend approached him twice for an endorsement—once in the ICU and subsequently at home—and confirmed these requests originated from Congresswoman Craig.
Hoffman’s comments arose during an event for Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, also vying for the Democratic Senate nomination. Hoffman noted, “When [Craig] said she wanted my endorsement, she was doing that during moments when our family’s story had high visibility. That’s all you need to understand the difference between Peggy’s opponent and Peggy Flanagan. Peggy Flanagan checked on us out of genuine concern for our well-being.” Present at the rally in St. Paul was Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
The Flanagan spokesperson commented, “That’s a matter between Congresswoman Craig and the Hoffmans.” Meanwhile, Craig’s spokesperson asserted the claims were “categorically false,” stating, “The Congresswoman expressed sympathy after the shooting and only reached out again for political discussions as Hoffman resumed making endorsements.” Craig maintains her prayers for the Hoffmans’ recovery.
Craig refuted Hoffman’s claims in a KMSP-TV interview, leading Hoffman to insist, “I told the truth of what Yvette and I faced,” referencing his wife, also injured in the incident. Text messages provided by Craig’s campaign to NBC News show condolences expressed on the shooting day, June 14, and a later message suggesting a Senate race discussion on August 5, after Hoffman’s ICU release on July 7.
NBC News has sought to verify the identity of Hoffman’s “dear friend” who reportedly visited in the ICU. Hoffman has acknowledged Craig’s initial sympathy message, but his remarks targeted subsequent endorsement requests and their impact during his recovery.
Hoffman criticized Craig’s approach, stating, “It is dishonest to offer condolences and then promptly request an endorsement, as shown by her text.” State Sen. Erin Maye Quade, in an NBC News interview, recounted visiting Hoffman in July when he shared a request for endorsement by Craig’s surrogate as inappropriate.
Hoffman praised Flanagan’s contact, noting her genuine concern and lack of ulterior motives. “My remarks were about that contrast, and I stand by every word,” Hoffman declared, challenging Craig’s disagreement with his endorsement and defending her campaign’s conduct.
Meanwhile, Vance Boelter, 59, pleaded guilty to charges related to stalking and shooting Hoffman, as well as murdering House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. He received a sentence of two life terms plus 40 years, the harshest penalty short of death.