Hallie Marie Tobler, the daughter of a Republican Minnesota gubernatorial candidate, was found stabbed to death at her home last weekend; but the homicide is allegedly a domestic killing committed by her husband. Following the news of his daughter’s death, Jeff Johnson dropped out of the primary race for Minnesota governor.
Hallie is the daughter of former St. Cloud city councilman Jeff Johnson, who has been campaigning who had been campaigning as a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor for the 2026 election.
Hallie Marie Tobler, 22, was identified as the victim of a violent stabbing homicide on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 after police officers from the St. Cloud Police Department responded to a reported medical emergency in the block of 3100 40th Avenue South around 8:20 p.m. Saturday. Police discovered her deceased inside a locked apartment with multiple stab wounds.
Hallie’s husband, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, was found alive in the home with stab wounds that are allegedly self-inflicted, according to the St. Cloud Police Department.
Dylan Michael Tobler is in police custody while he is hospitalized in stable condition, and is expected to face charges in connection with his wife’s homicide. Upon release from the hospital, Dylan Michael Tobler will be transported to the Stearns County jail, where he will be held for court on charges related to the homicide investigation, according to the St. Cloud Police Department.
The Minnesota Bureau of criminal apprehension is assisting with processing the crime scene.
“There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family,” the Minnesota Republican Party said in a statement on Monday, Feb. 9, that confirmed the news. “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,” the Minnesota Republican Party announced. “We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.”
Johnson was one of several candidates running in Minnesota’s 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary, including MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and retired MMA fighter Brad Kohler.
Former state Sen. Scott Jensen, who earned the GOP nomination for governor in the last gubernatorial election, but lost to incumbent Gov. Tim Walz, also dropped out of the 2026 gubernatorial race on Monday, February 9, 2026, and instead is running for state auditor.
Please see the following media release and update regarding a homicide in St. Cloud this weekend: pic.twitter.com/XYG6eVAklN
— SCPD (@StCloudPDMN) February 9, 2026
