A Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate suspended his campaign Monday after his 22-year-old daughter was found stabbed to death in her St. Cloud apartment—a tragedy police are calling an attempted murder-suicide involving her husband.
Hallie Marie Tobler was discovered dead with multiple stab wounds at her home in the 3100 block of 40th Avenue South after officers responded to a medical emergency call at 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 7. Her husband, Dylan Michael Tobler, 23, was found inside the locked apartment with life-threatening injuries police believe were self-inflicted. He remains hospitalized in stable condition at St. Cloud Hospital under police custody.
The St. Cloud Police Department arrested Dylan Tobler in connection with his wife’s death, though formal charges have not yet been filed. “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,” authorities stated in a news release.
Hallie’s father, Jeff Johnson, a former St. Cloud City Council member who served from 2010 to 2018, had been running to replace Governor Tim Walz in Minnesota’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Johnson received just 139 votes in last week’s Republican caucus straw poll—less than one percent of the total.
The Republican Party of Minnesota announced Monday that Johnson had withdrawn from the race and taken down his campaign website. “There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family,” the party said. “The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy.”
The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy and confirmed Hallie Tobler died from multiple stab wounds. Dylan Tobler will be transported to Stearns County Jail and held on charges related to the homicide once he is discharged from the hospital, according to police.
Court records reveal the couple married in November 2021. In January 2026, Dylan Tobler pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, a petty misdemeanor, stemming from a June 2025 incident in which he choked Hallie Tobler. The case was heard in Stearns County District Court.
Johnson, who describes himself as a semi-truck driver, served two terms on the St. Cloud City Council and drew controversy in 2017 when he proposed a moratorium on refugee resettlement in the city. He was the only council member to support the measure, which failed. In a March 2025 interview with The St. Cloud Times announcing his gubernatorial bid, Johnson criticized Governor Walz: “Quite frankly, Minnesota has been operating in full crisis mode under Gov. Tim Walz for years.”
The killing marks what police believe to be St. Cloud’s first homicide of 2026, following five reported homicides in the city last year—three of which involved fatal stabbings. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Several political figures expressed condolences following the announcement. State Rep. Peggy Bennett, a fellow Republican running for governor, released a statement: “I cannot even imagine the heartbreak and sorrow that Jeff and his family are experiencing right now. My heart breaks for them.”
The Republican Party of Minnesota emphasized the need for privacy as the investigation continues. “We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time,” the party stated. “We also extend our gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement officers involved and ask for patience and compassion as the investigation continues.”
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Cloud Police Department at 320-251-1200 or Tri-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-255-1301.
Johnson’s departure leaves the Republican gubernatorial field led by Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who captured 5,827 votes in the caucus straw poll, followed by Kendall Qualls with 4,624 votes and Mike Lindell with 3,235 votes. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who entered the race on January 29 after Governor Walz dropped his reelection bid, is the leading Democratic candidate.