John Hoffman is an American politician and member of the Minnesota Senate, representing District 34 in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Born on January 17, 1965, in Casper, Wyoming, Hoffman is affiliated with the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL). He was first elected to the Senate in 2012 and has been reelected through 2022, currently serving his fourth term. Hoffman has held leadership roles including minority whip from 2017 to 2020 and currently chairs the Human Services Committee. His legislative focus emphasizes disability services, children's needs, and human services. Prior to the Senate, he served on the Anoka-Hennepin School District Board and worked with children and families in various public and nonprofit roles, including positions with the Iowa Department of Human Services and the PACER Center, a respected parent training organization. Hoffman has been recognized for his public service with several awards, such as the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Legislator of the Year and the Guardian of Small Business Award. He resides in Champlin, Minnesota, with his wife and daughter. In 2025, Hoffman and his wife were victims of a spree shooting; both were hospitalized, while another lawmaker involved did not survive[3][4][7][8]. Separately, John Hoffman is also known as a screenwriter, producer, and director in the entertainment industry. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised near Columbus, Ohio, he transitioned from acting to screenwriting after moving to Los Angeles in 1991. His screenwriting credits include films like "Indianapolis" and "The Last of Sheila." Hoffman made his writing/directing debut with the MGM/Jim Henson Pictures film "Good Boy" (2003). He is notably the co-creator, executive producer, writer, and director of the Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," which has received critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations, including one win among 20 total nominations[1][5][6]. These are two distinct individuals named John Hoffman, each notable in their respective fields of politics and entertainment.