Jeff Johnson, Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, has suspended his 2026 campaign following the death of his 22-year-old daughter in a stabbing incident over the weekend. Authorities say the attack was part of a botched murder-suicide.
Hallie Marie Tobler was found dead inside her locked St. Cloud apartment on the evening of Saturday, February 7, suffering multiple stab wounds, according to the St. Cloud Police Department. Her husband, Dylan Michael Tobler, 23, was critically injured in the same incident, with police stating his wounds appeared to be self-inflicted.
Dylan Tobler is now in stable condition and has been taken into police custody. Investigators indicated he is expected to face homicide charges in connection with his wife’s death once he is released from medical care.
The Minnesota Republican Party confirmed that Johnson, a former St. Cloud city councilman who launched his gubernatorial bid in March 2025, has paused his campaign following the tragedy. The party described the loss as “unimaginable” and urged Minnesotans to support the family during their grief.
Hallie Tobler’s death marks a devastating moment for Johnson, whose political platform had focused on crime, immigration, and fraud. Minnesota has recently emerged as a focal point of federal law enforcement operations and heightened public protests, adding a somber context to the candidate’s campaign priorities.
The incident unfolded in the couple’s apartment, where authorities were called to a medical emergency on Saturday evening. Police confirmed the scene involved a violent confrontation, with Hallie Tobler fatally wounded and her husband sustaining serious injuries before intervention.
Investigators are treating the case as an attempted murder-suicide. Police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and details, including motive and timeline, remain under review.
In response to the tragedy, Johnson’s campaign officially announced the suspension on February 9, emphasizing the need to focus on family. Party officials described the loss as a moment of profound sorrow, urging the public to respect the family’s privacy while the investigation continues.
This development comes as Johnson had been positioning himself as a candidate focused on law and order in Minnesota. His suspension leaves a significant void in the Republican primary race and raises questions about how the campaign will proceed without his presence.
Authorities continue to monitor Dylan Tobler’s condition and plan to pursue charges once he is medically cleared. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the personal toll of violent incidents and the intersection of public and private life for political figures.
