USFEB 10, 2026
Minnesota Gubernatorial Candidate Halts Campaign After Daughter, 22, Loses Life In Knife Attack
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The daughter of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson was stabbed to death over the weekend in what police believe to be an attempted murder-suicide.
Hallie Marie Tolbert, 22, was found dead inside her home in St. Cloud around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, after police responded to reports of a medical emergency.
An autopsy carried out by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has since found that she died as a result of multiple stab wounds.
Highlights
- Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson's daughter, Hallie Marie Tolbert, 22, was fatally stabbed at her home in St. Cloud.
- Hallie's husband, Dylan Michael Tobler, 23, was found with life-threatening injuries and is alleged to be responsible for the stabbing.
- Dylan remains hospitalized and in police custody; he will face homicide charges once released from the hospital.
- Jeff Johnson suspended his Minnesota governor campaign following this tragic loss, with widespread condolences from GOP candidates.
- The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension continues to assist in the investigation of the violent incident.
Jeff Johnson’s daughter Hallie was stabbed to death on Saturday evening
Image credits: Julie Johnson
Hallie’s husband, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, was also found inside the locked home with life-threatening injuries and taken to St. Cloud hospital for treatment.
In an update on Monday, the St. Cloud Police Department said it believed that his injuries were self-inflicted and alleged that he is the person responsible for Hallie’s death.
“Dylan remains at the St. Cloud hospital in stable condition where he is in the custody of the St. Cloud Police Department,” the force said in a statement.
“Upon release from the hospital, Dylan will be transported to the Stearns County Jail, where he will be held for court on charges related to the homicide.”
Image credits: Julie Johnson
“The investigation is still active, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting. Updates will be given as the investigation develops.”
The Minnesota Republican Party announced that Johnson will suspend his campaign for governor of Minnesota following the devastating loss.
“The Minnesota Republican Party is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Dr. Jeff Johnson’s daughter, who was killed in a violent crime Saturday night in St. Cloud,” it said in a statement.
“There are no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for Jeff and his family. The loss of a child is unimaginable, and our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve this devastating tragedy.”
Image credits: Julie Johnson
“Out of respect for his family and the enormity of this loss, Jeff has suspended his campaign for Governor of Minnesota. We ask all Minnesotans to join us in lifting up the Johnson family during this incredibly painful time.
“We also extend our gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement officers involved and ask for patience and compassion as the investigation continues.”
On his 2026 campaign page, which has now been deactivated, Johnson noted that his favorite activity was spending time with his family.
Johnson, a former teacher, was elected to the St. Cloud City Council in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014, although he lost his bid for a Stearns County Commissioner seat in 2020.
Jeff Johnson dropped out of the race for Minnesota governor
Image credits: Vote Jeff Johnson
The Minnesota gubernatorial election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, with party primaries to determine nominees held on August 11.
It comes at a time of heightened tensions in the state, caused by significant ICE enforcement operations and the deaths of two U.S. citizens who were killed by ICE agents.
Leading the polls in the race is Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar, who is widely seen as the leading contender for the Democratic primary after Governor Tim Walz dropped his re-election bid earlier this year.
With Johnson and Scott Jensen having withdrawn from the GOP race, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, former health-care executive Kendall Qualls, and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell are among those competing for the party’s nomination.
Image credits: Julie Johnson
Demuth and Qualls both sent their condolences to Johnson on social media following the news of his daughter’s passing.
Qualls wrote, “I am heartbroken for Jeff Johnson and his family as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Please join Sheila and me in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.”
In a statement, Demuth said, “The Johnson family is walking through an unspeakable tragedy right now, and my prayers are with them every step of the way.
“As a parent, I can’t imagine the grief and devastation they’re experiencing right now. Please join me in keeping the Johnsons in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate a situation that no family should have to endure.”