Senator Claims Congressman Sought Support During Critical Time
Senator John Hoffman (D-Minn.) revealed Friday that Representative Angie Craig (D-Minn.) had sought his backing for her Senate campaign while he was recovering in intensive care from a life-threatening incident in June 2025.
In a statement to NBC News on Sunday, Hoffman disclosed that “dear and trusted friends” had approached him twice for support—first while he was hospitalized and again during his recovery at home. A friend reiterated that the request for assistance originated from Congressman Craig.
Hoffman made these remarks at an event for Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, who is also competing for the Democratic Senate nomination. He emphasized the difference between Flanagan and her opponent, saying, “When [Craig] sought my support, our family’s struggle was under scrutiny. In contrast, Peggy Flanagan reached out to express genuine concern for us and our well-being.”
Responding to Hoffman’s allegations, a spokesperson for Flanagan stated, “This is a matter between Councilor Craig and Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman.” Meanwhile, a representative from Craig’s camp firmly denied the claims, asserting, “This allegation is completely false.”
The spokesperson for Craig clarified that the congressman only expressed his sympathy for Hoffman and his wife, Cheryl, following the tragic shooting. They maintained that there was no contact initiated by Craig until August 5, when Hoffman began to voice his political support for other candidates. “The Congressman continues to pray for the Hoffmans and appreciates their ongoing recovery,” the spokesperson added.
In an interview with KMSP-TV in Minneapolis, Craig refuted Hoffman’s claims, prompting a statement from Hoffman in response. “To clarify, I was truthful about what my wife and I experienced,” he noted, referring to the traumatic incident.
Craig’s campaign provided text messages indicating that she reached out to the Hoffmans on June 14, the day of the shooting, and again on August 5, inquiring about the Senate race. Hoffman was discharged from intensive care on July 7.
Hoffman indicated that he had shared with others about the inappropriate timing of the support requests linked to Craig’s campaign. State Senator Erin Mae Quaid corroborated this, recounting Hoffman’s account of a surrogate seeking support for Craig that he found to be improper. She noted that this narrative has not been a secret and that Hoffman has relayed it on multiple occasions.
Hoffman further remarked that Flanagan’s outreach was different; she reached out out of concern without seeking anything in return. “My comments were intended to draw that contrast, and I stand by my words,” he stated. He emphasized that while Congressman Craig may contest his endorsement, she cannot alter the reality of what his family endured or question his honesty.
In a related development, Vance Boulter, 59, recently pleaded guilty to six federal charges concerning the murders of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her spouse, as well as the stalking and shooting incidents involving the Hoffman family. Boulter received a maximum sentence of two consecutive life terms plus 40 years, excluding the death penalty.
