Democratic Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman stated that Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., sought his endorsement for her Senate campaign while he was in intensive care following an assassination attempt on his life in June 2025.

In a statement to NBC News on Sunday, Hoffman said a “dear and trusted friend” approached him twice for an endorsement—once while he was in the intensive care unit and again while he was recovering at home—and that the friend confirmed the requests came from Congresswoman Craig.

Hoffman contrasted Craig's actions with those of Peggy Flanagan, another Democratic Senate candidate, saying, “Because Peggy Flanagan, she checked on us out of her love for how we were doing and if we were OK.” He also remarked that Craig sought his endorsement during moments when his family’s story had high visibility, implying a difference in approach between Craig and Flanagan.

When asked about the allegations, a spokesperson for Flanagan responded, “That’s a matter between Congresswoman Craig and the Hoffmans.”

Craig’s spokesperson categorically denied the claim, stating, “The Congresswoman reached out to Senator Hoffman only expressing deep sympathy from her and her wife, Cheryl, after their horrific shooting while he was in the ICU and did not reach out again until August 5, after he began making political endorsements in other races again. The Congresswoman continues to pray and keeps John, Yvette and Hope Hoffman in her thoughts and is grateful for their continued recovery.”

Hoffman acknowledged that Craig sent a message expressing sympathy following the shooting but said his campaign remarks referred to subsequent endorsement requests and the painful impression those requests left on his family during their recovery.

Erin Maye Quade, who visited Hoffman at the intensive care unit rehabilitation facility in late July, confirmed to NBC News that Hoffman shared the story about someone seeking an endorsement on behalf of Craig.

Sources