ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Democrats have retracted their endorsement of Judd Hoff, a state House candidate with a history of violence, accused of stalking and harassing Republican Rep. Mary Franson, his opponent. Hoff, backed by Democrats in District 12, has a criminal record that includes a felony conviction for wielding a machete during a 2020 altercation, for which he served around eight months in jail. Republicans, led by Rep. Josh Heintzeman, swiftly condemned the endorsement, citing Hoff’s alleged harassment of Rep. Franson, including rummaging through her trash and filming her at her residence. Rep. Franson, representing a staunchly Republican district, voiced apprehension about Hoff’s candidacy, labeling him dangerous. State Democratic Party chairman Ken Martin disowned the endorsement, urging the local party to withdraw its backing immediately. Hoff has not responded to requests for comment, and the local Democratic Party committee leader has also remained silent on the issue.