Minnesota state Sen. Hoffman declares candidacy for new term months after being shot
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State Sen. John Hoffman will pursue another term in the Minnesota Legislature, saying he wants to demonstrate dignity over vitriol after being shot at his home last summer.
Hoffman, a DFLer in his fourth term, announced his reelection campaign over social media on Monday. He hasn’t done many interviews as he recovers from the shooting that severely injured him and his wife, Yvettem at their Champlin home in June.
Authorities say the suspect charged in the case also carried out a fatal attack on top Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their Brooklyn Park home. Vance Boelter faces multiple federal charges in the attacks and is also accused of casing the homes of other lawmakers whom prosecutors say he politically disagreed with.
In declaring his 2026 intentions, Hoffman said he won’t recede from public life despite the attacks.
“Minnesotans are tired of the vitriol. We have seen first hand where hate and dehumanization can lead. My family survived it. Leadership matters. Decency matters. Speaking up matters,” Hoffman said in a social media post. “I am seeking re-election to keep leading with dignity.”
Hoffman was first elected in 2012 and has chaired the Senate Human Services Committee. His district includes parts of Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Dayton and Rogers.
Senate Democrats currently have a one-vote edge in the chamber. All 201 legislative seats will be on the ballot next year.
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