Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman stated that Representative Angie Craig sought his endorsement for her U.S. Senate campaign while he was in intensive care following an assassination attempt in June 2025. Hoffman reported that a friend approached him for the endorsement twice, once during his hospitalization and again while he was recovering at home, confirming that the requests came from Craig.
Hoffman made these comments during a campaign event for Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, who is also running for the Democratic Senate nomination. He contrasted Craig's actions with Flanagan's, stating that Flanagan checked on him and his family out of concern.
In response, a spokesperson for Craig denied Hoffman's claims, stating that Craig only reached out to express sympathy after the shooting and did not seek an endorsement until August 5, after Hoffman had begun endorsing other candidates. Craig's campaign provided text messages showing well-wishes sent on June 14 and a message on August 5 regarding the Senate race.
Hoffman acknowledged that Craig expressed sympathy but maintained that his remarks were about subsequent endorsement requests, which he found inappropriate during a difficult time for his family. State Senator Erin Maye Quade corroborated Hoffman's account, stating that he had shared the story of the endorsement request during her visit.
Hoffman emphasized that he stands by his statements regarding his family's experience and criticized Craig for attempting to dispute his account. Meanwhile, Vance Boelter, who pleaded guilty to charges related to the shooting, was sentenced to life in prison.
This incident highlights the tensions within the Democratic primary for the Senate seat in Minnesota.