Minnesota Republican gubernatorial hopeful Dr. Jeff Johnson has paused his campaign following the death of his 22-year-old daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler, who was found fatally stabbed in her St. Cloud apartment Saturday night.
Authorities report that her husband, Dylan Michael Tobler, 23, is suspected of carrying out the attack before injuring himself.
Both were discovered inside a locked apartment on 40th Avenue South around 8:20 p.m., with Hallie pronounced dead at the scene and Dylan Tobler hospitalized in stable condition. Charges are pending.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting St. Cloud police with the investigation.
Dylan Tobler is expected to be transferred to Stearns County Jail after his release from the hospital to face homicide-related charges, MPR News reported.
Authorities are reviewing evidence and determining whether additional charges may follow.
Johnson, a former St. Cloud City Council member, had been running in the Republican primary to replace Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.
In response to the tragedy, the Minnesota Republican Party expressed sorrow and confirmed the suspension of Johnson’s campaign.
“There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family,” the party wrote on X. “The loss of a child is unimaginable…Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for governor of Minnesota.”
Political figures across the state offered condolences.
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, also a Republican gubernatorial candidate, said, “The Johnson family is walking through an unspeakable tragedy… Please join me in keeping the Johnsons in our thoughts and prayers.”
Fellow Republican Peggy Bennett wrote, “I cannot even imagine the heartbreak and sorrow that Jeff and his family are experiencing…My heart breaks for them.”
Democratic candidate Amy Klobuchar added, “My condolences to Jeff Johnson and his entire family… We are praying for all who loved her during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Jeff Johnson, not to be confused with another former Hennepin County commissioner of the same name, described himself online as a semi-truck driver and a “Minnesota axe grinder,” citing frustration with government inefficiency and corruption.
He served on St. Cloud’s city council from 2010 to 2018, supporting initiatives including resolutions on local government accountability and public safety. In recent precinct caucuses, Johnson received less than one percent of the vote.
According to The Independent, Hallie and Dylan Tobler had been married since November 2021.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death, which is being treated as a suspected murder-suicide.
Police and investigators are gathering evidence, reviewing witness accounts, and preparing to determine potential additional charges.
Republican leaders and local officials have emphasized support for the Johnson family, asking the public to respect their privacy while commending law enforcement and first responders for their prompt response.
Johnson’s campaign website has been taken offline.
As the investigation continues, Minnesota authorities are collecting evidence and awaiting formal filings regarding potential charges against Dylan Tobler.
The loss has united political figures across party lines in expressing grief and support for the Johnson family during an extraordinarily difficult time.
