Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson has suspended his 2026 campaign after his 22-year-old daughter was fatally stabbed in what authorities are investigating as a attempted murder-suicide in St. Cloud.
The Minnesota Republican Party confirmed Monday that Johnson, a former St. Cloud city councilman, would step back from the race to replace Democratic Governor Tim Walz following the “tragic loss” of his daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler.
“There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family. The loss of a child is unimaginable,” the party said in a statement, adding that Johnson had suspended his campaign out of respect for his family.
What happened to Johnson’s daughter?
According to the St. Cloud Police Department, officers responded to a medical emergency at an apartment on the 3100 block of 40th Avenue South shortly after 8 pm on February 7.
Inside the locked apartment, police found Hallie Marie Tobler deceased with multiple stab wounds. Her husband, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, was also found at the scene with life-threatening injuries believed to be self-inflicted.
Investigators said preliminary findings indicate that Dylan Tobler is responsible for Hallie’s injuries and death. He is currently in stable condition at St. Cloud Hospital and is expected to face homicide charges upon his release. He will be transferred to Stearns County Jail, officials said.
Authorities have described the incident as an attempted murder-suicide. The investigation remains ongoing.
Johnson withdraws from crowded GOP race
Johnson had launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for Minnesota governor in March 2025. A former semi-truck driver and St. Cloud City Council member (2010–2018), he ran on a platform focused on crime, immigration and government accountability.
In earlier interviews, Johnson had sharply criticised incumbent Democratic Governor Tim Walz, accusing his administration of operating in “full crisis mode.”
Johnson’s campaign website has since been taken down.
He had received less than one percent of the vote in Minnesota’s caucus. The Republican field is currently led by House Speaker Lisa Demuth, with US Army veteran Kendall Qualls and businessman Mike Lindell also in the fray.
Tributes pour in
Leaders from across party lines expressed condolences to the Johnson family. “My condolences to Jeff Johnson and his entire family for the loss of their daughter,” Democratic candidate Amy Klobuchar wrote on social media. “John and I are praying for all those who loved her during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Republican candidate Peggy Bennett also said she was “holding Jeff and his family up in prayer during this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.”
The tragedy has deeply impacted Minnesota’s gubernatorial race, with Johnson stepping away from public life to grieve the devastating loss of his daughter.
