John Hoffman is an American politician serving as a member of the Minnesota State Senate, representing District 34 in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. He entered state politics after personal experience navigating disability services for his daughter, and became nationally prominent as one of two Minnesota legislators targeted in a politically motivated shooting in June 2025.

Early Career and Public Service

Born on January 17, 1965, in Casper, Wyoming, Hoffman earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 1988. He worked in youth services and child welfare policy in Iowa before being appointed by U.S. Secretary of Education Rodney Paige to serve on the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council, advising multiple federal departments on services for children and families with disabilities.

After moving to Minnesota, Hoffman served as vice-chair of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board, the largest school district in the state. His entry into state politics was motivated by his struggles to obtain insurance coverage for his daughter, who had spina bifida, and his belief that other families faced similar difficulties.

Legislative Career

Hoffman was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012, defeating incumbent Benjamin Kruse in the 36th district. He was reelected in 2016, 2020, and 2022, representing the redistricted 34th district in the most recent cycle. He served as minority whip from 2017 to 2020 and later chaired the Human Services Committee, focusing on disability services, children’s welfare, and family policy.

2025 Shooting

On June 14, 2025, Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot at their home in Champlin, Minnesota, in the early morning hours. A man disguised as a police officer knocked on their door shortly before 2 a.m. When Hoffman recognized the deception, he shouted “You’re not a cop” and attempted to push the assailant out. The attacker shot both Hoffman and his wife multiple times.

The same attacker had also targeted Minnesota House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark at their home in nearby Brooklyn Park. The Hortmans were killed in the attack.

Authorities identified and arrested 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter approximately 36 hours later. Federal charging documents revealed that Boelter possessed a list of dozens of elected officials, all members of the DFL party. He was charged with murder, stalking, and firearms offenses at the federal level, along with state charges of second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Both John and Yvette Hoffman survived their injuries and were hospitalized. Hoffman was later released from the ICU and ultimately returned to the Minnesota State Senate.

Significance in Political Discourse

The 2025 Minnesota legislative shootings prompted national discussion about political violence, the safety of state-level elected officials, and the broader climate of political rhetoric in America. The incident drew comparisons to previous acts of political violence targeting legislators and raised questions about security for lawmakers who serve in part-time state legislatures without dedicated protective details.