Sen. John Hoffman Claims Rep. Angie Craig Sought Endorsement Amid Personal Crisis

Senator Hoffman’s Endorsement Allegation

Democratic Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman revealed that Representative Angie Craig sought his endorsement for her U.S. Senate campaign during a challenging period. Hoffman shared on Friday, stating to NBC News, that a trusted friend approached him twice—first in intensive care, then during recovery at home—and confirmed the endorsement requests were from Congresswoman Craig.

Hoffman made these remarks at a campaign event for Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, who also aims for the Democratic Senate nomination. “When Craig asked for my endorsement, she did so when our family’s situation was highly visible. The distinction between Craig and Peggy is clear; Peggy cared for our well-being,” Hoffman stated, speaking at a rally in St. Paul where Senator Elizabeth Warren was present.

Response and Denial

Upon questioning the allegations, a Flanagan spokesperson commented, “It’s a matter between Congresswoman Craig and the Hoffmans.” Craig’s spokesperson countered, declaring the claim “categorically false.” According to Craig’s team, she only extended deep sympathy during Hoffman’s ICU stay and followed up after August 5 once Hoffman resumed political endorsements elsewhere.

Craig refuted Hoffman’s allegations in a KMSP-TV interview. Responding, Hoffman insisted, “I told the truth about what Yvette and I experienced,” referencing his wife, who was also injured in the attack.

Texts and Campaign Clarifications

Text messages from Craig’s campaign sent to NBC News demonstrate her expressing well-wishes on June 14, the day of the incident, and proposing to discuss the Senate race on August 5. Hoffman left intensive care on July 7.

NBC News attempted to verify the identity of the “dear and trusted friend” Hoffman cited as the endorsement messenger.

Hoffman acknowledged Craig’s sympathetic message post-shooting but stated his campaign remarks refer to subsequent endorsement requests that affected his family during recovery.

“Conveying condolences and swiftly requesting endorsement is disingenuous, as illustrated in her text,” Hoffman expressed.

Third-party Insight and Public Disclosure

State Senator Erin Maye Quade told NBC News about her late July visit to Hoffman, noting his mention of Craig’s campaign seeking an endorsement through a friend. “He mentioned a friend acting as a surrogate for Craig, who felt remorseful about asking for endorsement. Since then, Hoffman has mentioned the story publicly,” Quade shared.

In his Sunday statement, Hoffman compared Flanagan’s supportive approach, saying her outreach was genuine without seeking favors, emphasizing the contrast in campaign conduct.

Hoffman further commented, “My remarks highlighted the contrast. Congresswoman Craig might dispute my endorsement and her campaign’s actions, but she cannot alter our family’s experiences or question my honesty.”

Legal Outcomes

In a related legal development, Vance Boelter admitted guilt to multiple federal charges related to the stalking and shooting of the Hoffmans, along with murdering House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Boelter faced two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years, the harshest possibility excluding capital punishment.