Sen. John Hoffman Alleges Rep. Angie Craig Sought Endorsement During ICU Recovery

Democratic state Senator John Hoffman from Minnesota revealed that Representative Angie Craig sought his endorsement for her Senate campaign while he was recovering from an assassination attempt in June 2025. Hoffman shared with NBC News that a friend approached him twice for support—once in the intensive care unit and another time at home—on behalf of Craig.

Hoffman’s comments were made during a campaign event for Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who is running for the Democratic Senate nomination. “When [Craig] said she wanted my endorsement, she was doing that during moments when our family’s story had high visibility, and that’s all you need to know that the difference is between the opponent that Peggy has and Peggy Flanagan,” Hoffman commented at the rally, which also included attendance from Senator Elizabeth Warren.

A spokesperson for Flanagan stated that the issue between Craig and the Hoffmans is a personal matter. Meanwhile, Craig’s spokesperson denied the claim, highlighting that Craig only expressed condolences following the shooting and did not contact Hoffman until August 5, after he resumed political endorsements. Craig reaffirmed this in an interview with KMSP-TV. Hoffman, accompanied by his wife Yvette, responded by asserting they were truthful about their experiences.

The Craig campaign provided NBC News with text messages, showing messages of well-wishes on June 14, the day of the shooting, and an August 5 message about discussing the Senate race. Hoffman was released from intensive care on July 7.

NBC News attempted but couldn’t confirm the identity of the friend who allegedly visited Hoffman in intensive care seeking an endorsement. Hoffman noted that he acknowledged Craig’s initial message of sympathy, but felt the endorsement requests afterward were painful during his recovery.

State Senator Erin Maye Quade supported Hoffman’s account, stating she heard the story from him firsthand during a late July visit to the intensive care rehabilitation facility.

Hoffman contrasted Flanagan’s approach as more caring, as she checked in on the family without seeking anything in return. He stood by his statements, challenging Craig’s right to dispute his family’s experiences or his honesty.

Separately, Vance Boelter, 59, pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the stalking and shooting of the Hoffmans, along with the murders of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Boelter received a life sentence plus additional years, but avoided the death penalty.