Hoffman Accuses Craig of Endorsement Request During Medical Recovery

State Senator John Hoffman from Minnesota shared on Friday that Representative Angie Craig sought his endorsement for her Senate campaign while he was recovering from a near-fatal incident in June 2025. Hoffman revealed in a statement to NBC News that a trusted friend approached him twice for an endorsement. The first request occurred while he was in intensive care; the second came during his recovery at home. Hoffman stated that the endorsement requests were confirmed to have originated from Congresswoman Craig.

His remarks emerged at a campaign event supporting Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is also vying for the Democratic Senate nomination. Hoffman explained, “When Craig asked for my endorsement, it was during times when our family story was highly visible, highlighting the contrast between Peggy Flanagan and those opposing her.” He praised Flanagan for personally checking on him and his family without seeking anything in return. Senator Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., was also present at the rally in St. Paul.

When asked about the allegations, Flanagan’s spokesperson commented, “The issue is between Congresswoman Craig and the Hoffmans.” Meanwhile, Craig’s spokesperson refuted the claim, stating, “The assertion is categorically false.” The spokesperson elaborated that Craig expressed sympathy to Senator Hoffman after the shooting but did not reach out again until August 5, when Hoffman resumed making political endorsements. Craig conveyed her continued wishes for the Hoffmans’ recovery.

In an interview with KMSP-TV in Minneapolis, Rep. Craig denied Hoffman’s claims. Hoffman countered, emphasizing, “I told the truth about what Yvette and I experienced.” Hoffman’s wife had also suffered injuries during the assassination attempt.

Text messages shared by the Craig campaign with NBC News show Craig expressing well-wishes for the Hoffmans on June 14, the day of the shooting, followed by an August 5 message stating her desire to discuss the Senate race. Hoffman was released from intensive care on July 7.

Efforts are underway by NBC News to identify the “dear and trusted friend” mentioned by Hoffman who visited him in the ICU. Hoffman clarified his acknowledgment of Craig’s sympathy message post-shooting but emphasized his campaign remarks focused on subsequent endorsement requests which left a lasting impact during his family’s recovery.

State Senator Erin Maye Quade reported that she had visited Hoffman in late July at a rehabilitation facility. He had shared his account of an endorsement request from a friend affiliated with Craig’s campaign. Quade reflected, “We thought it was inappropriate, and Hoffman acknowledged he felt uncomfortable about it.” She added that Hoffman’s experience has been openly discussed for over a year.

Hoffman contrasted Flanagan’s approach by highlighting her genuine concern without expectations. He committed to standing by his words and mentioned Craig’s disagreement with his endorsement. Hoffman stated that Craig could defend her campaign’s actions but should not “rewrite” his family’s story or question his honesty.

Vance Boelter, 59, admitted guilt last month to six federal charges related to stalking and shooting the Hoffmans, as well as the murders of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. Boelter received two consecutive life sentences plus an additional 40 years, the maximum penalty short of death.