Republican candidate Jeff Johnson has experienced a significant personal tragedy, which has forced him to suspend his 2026 run for Minnesota governor. On Saturday, Johnson's daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler, was found stabbed to death in what appears to be an alleged murder-suicide that was botched.
The 22-year-old daughter of Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband Saturday in what police said was an apparent botched murder-suicide.
Officers with the St. Cloud Police Department responded to a residence in the 3100 block of 40 Ave. S. around 8:20 p.m. Saturday for a "medical emergency."
Officers located a 22-year-old female – later identified as Hallie Marie Tobler – with "multiple wounds."
A 23-year-old male – later identified as Dylan Michael Tobler – was also found at the scene with what investigators believe were self-inflicted stab wounds.
Hallie Tobler was transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. Dylan was transported to St. Cloud Hospital and is in "stable condition," police said. He is now in the custody of the St. Cloud Police Department and will be transferred to the Stearns County Jail where he will be held on charges related to the homicide.
Minnesota GOP Governor Candidate Jeff Johnson’s Daughter Stabbed to Deathhttps://t.co/JVrEwDZFRx
— Lester McClintock (@LesterMcCl28224) February 10, 2026
According to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office, Tobler will face a second-degree murder charge and is being held without bond. Tobler's arraignment was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Dylan Tobler and Hallie Marie had been married for four years.
The couple married in November 2021, according to state marriage records obtained by the St. Cloud Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, and the domestic-related killing marked the first criminal homicide of the year for the city.
"Based on the investigation, it is believed that Dylan’s injuries are self-inflicted and that he is the person responsible for Hallie’s injuries and death," police wrote in the report.
Officials have not released a suspected motive in the killing.
An absolutely heartbreaking set of circumstances. The Minnesota Republican Party released a statement on behalf of the Johnson family, where they informed the public that Johnson had suspended his campaign for governor. Johnson's campaign website has also been taken down.
The Minnesota Republican Party is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Dr. Jeff Johnson’s daughter, who was killed in a violent crime Saturday night in St. Cloud.
There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family. The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy.
Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for Governor of Minnesota. We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.
We also extend our gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement officers involved and ask for patience and compassion as the investigation continues.
Johnson served from 2000 to 2007 in the Minnesota House of Representatives, then served as Hennepin County Commissioner from 2009 to 2021. This was his third attempt at the governor's seat. Johnson mounted unsuccessful campaigns in 2014 and 2018.
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