Endorsement Controversy Involving Rep. Angie Craig Following a Shooting Incident

Democratic Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman recently revealed that Representative Angie Craig, D-Minn., pursued his endorsement for her U.S. Senate campaign amid his recovery from a life-threatening attack in June 2025. Hoffman shared in a statement to NBC News that a close friend approached him for the endorsement twice — once during his time in the intensive care unit and a second time while he was recovering at home. This friend confirmed that the requests originated from Congresswoman Craig.

Hoffman made these remarks at a campaign event for Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, another contender for the Democratic Senate nomination. He emphasized the distinct difference between Craig’s approach and Flanagan’s, noting that Flanagan showed genuine concern for his well-being without seeking anything in return.

In the aftermath, a spokesperson for Flanagan stated that the issue was purely between Congresswoman Craig and the Hoffmans. Meanwhile, Craig’s spokesperson strongly denied the allegations, asserting that Craig reached out to Hoffman solely to express sympathy after the shooting and did not request endorsements until August 5, following his renewed political engagement.

During an interview with KMSP-TV, Craig denied Hoffman’s allegations, leading to Hoffman’s reaffirmation of his claims. He stressed the sincerity of his and his wife’s experiences during the incident, challenging Craig’s narrative.

Text messages from the Craig campaign provided a timeline of communications, with initial well-wishes sent on the day of the shooting and a subsequent message in August discussing the Senate race when Hoffman was ready. He was released from intensive care on July 7.

NBC News attempted to trace the identity of Hoffman’s “dear and trusted friend” who visited him in intensive care. Hoffman acknowledged that Craig conveyed sympathy but criticized subsequent requests for endorsements, which he felt were inappropriate during his family’s recovery.

State Senator Erin Maye Quade recalled Hoffman sharing the story during a visit to the intensive care unit, describing it as inappropriate. Hoffman reportedly shared this account with others over the past year.

Hoffman also contrasted Flanagan’s response, noting her genuine concern, which did not involve any personal gain. He maintained the validity of his statements regarding the experience and reiterated his commitment to honesty.

Vance Boelter, involved in the stalking and shooting of the Hoffmans, as well as the murders of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 40 years, receiving the maximum sentence short of the death penalty last month.