Minn. Lawmaker Says Senate Candidate Pressed Him for Endorsement While He and Wife Were in ICU After Assassination Attempt

In a dramatic turn of events in Minnesota’s political landscape, Rep. Angie Craig has been accused by state Sen. John Hoffman of seeking his endorsement while he was still recovering in intensive care after a harrowing assassination attempt last year. The allegations have ignited controversy within the state’s Democratic party and raised questions about the boundaries of political conduct in times of crisis.

Hoffman, a Democratic senator, revealed his claims publicly at a rally supporting Lt. Gov. Penny Flanagan, who is competing against Craig for an open Senate seat vacated by incumbent Sen. Amy Klobuchar. During the rally, Hoffman stated that a close friend approached him on Craig’s behalf during his hospital stay, insisting that she requested his support for her Senate campaign at a time when his family was navigating immense trauma following a violent attack.

In June 2025, Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times in a brutal incident that also resulted in the tragic deaths of former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Hoffman was struck nine times, while Yvette suffered eight gunshot wounds. Remarkably, both survived but have since faced ongoing challenges in their recovery.

Craig has firmly denied Hoffman’s claims, labelling them as “categorically false.” She emphasised her personal integrity in a statement released through her campaign, asserting, “I simply would never do what has been alleged that I did.” This rebuttal highlights the tension surrounding her candidacy and the sensitivity of leveraging personal tragedies for political gain.

Hoffman’s comments drew significant media coverage, particularly regarding the nature of political support in the wake of a crisis. The senator contended that, while Craig reached out during his recovery, the nature of those communications felt inappropriate given the circumstances. “When she would check on our family, she asked that I endorse her campaign,” he stated, noting that a friend reached out both while he was in the ICU and later at home.

Further complicating matters, the individual Hoffman claims approached him, Dave Wellstone, has distanced himself from the allegations, stating that he would never request support on Craig’s behalf under such circumstances. Wellstone, who is the son of former Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone, confirmed he had asked Hoffman for his support in the past but insisted that such a request was not made during his recovery period.

Craig’s campaign reiterated that her outreach to Hoffman was purely in the spirit of offering sympathy and support in the wake of the horrific shooting. The campaign stated that Craig did not re-establish contact regarding political endorsements until several weeks after the incident, specifically when Hoffman had begun endorsing candidates in other races.

In response to the unfolding situation, Hoffman issued a statement reiterating his commitment to honesty about his experiences. He argued that it would be disingenuous to extend condolences and then immediately request political endorsements. This perspective underscores the emotional complexity of what has transpired both for Hoffman and within the broader context of the political race.

The ongoing tension surrounding this campaign is emblematic of a larger struggle within Minnesota’s Democratic party. Flanagan and Craig are in a tight contest for the primary election, scheduled for August 11, with current polling indicating a competitive race. Voters may be assessing not only the candidates’ political merits but also their ethical judgement during times of personal crises.

Amidst the political turmoil, the Hoffman family continues to heal from the traumatic events that drastically altered their lives. In recent statements, Hoffman has expressed the profound impact of the shooting on their family dynamic, stating that their home no longer feels like the sanctuary it once was. His ongoing recovery, both physically and psychologically, is a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of violence.

With the primary rapidly approaching, the fallout from this controversy may influence voters’ views and decisions. As both Craig and Flanagan vie for the Democratic nomination, the stakes are high, not just for their political aspirations but also for how they are perceived in times when compassion and integrity are paramount.