Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman says Angie Craig sought his endorsement while he was in ICU

Key Points:

• Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman alleged that Rep. Angie Craig sought his endorsement for her U.S. Senate campaign twice while he was recovering from a June 2025 assassination attempt, including once during his intensive care stay.
• Craig’s campaign denied the endorsement requests, stating she only reached out to express sympathy after the shooting and later contacted Hoffman in August to discuss the Senate race once he began making endorsements again.
• Hoffman maintained the truth of his claims and highlighted the contrast with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, another Senate candidate, who he said checked on his family out of genuine concern without seeking anything in return.
• Text messages provided by Craig’s campaign show a message of sympathy on the day of the shooting and a later message expressing interest in discussing the Senate race in August, after Hoffman was released from intensive care.
• The dispute has drawn attention from other Democratic figures, with State Sen. Erin Maye Quade confirming Hoffman shared the story about the endorsement request and describing it as inappropriate, while Craig’s spokesperson called the matter between Craig and the Hoffmans.