Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson’s daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler, tragically lost her life in a domestic homicide incident a few days ago, leading to Johnson’s suspension of his campaign. The Minnesota Republican Party announced on February 9 that Johnson had halted his run for governor.
In a statement released on Monday, February 9, the Minnesota Republican Party expressed deep sorrow over the violent death of Dr. Jeff Johnson’s daughter on Saturday, February 7, in St. Cloud. The party mentioned that the loss of a child is unimaginable and offered thoughts, prayers, and condolences to Johnson and his family during this heartbreaking time.
The statement further noted the immense respect for Johnson and his family’s great loss, leading to his decision to pause his gubernatorial campaign in Minnesota. The party urged all Minnesotans to come together in prayer for the Johnson family during this extremely painful period.
On the evening of February 7, 22-year-old Hallie Marie Tobler was fatally stabbed by her husband, Dylan Michael Tobler, inside their apartment they shared in St. Cloud. Police reports on Sunday, February 8, revealed that when authorities arrived at the scene around 8:20 p.m. the previous evening, Hallie had multiple stab wounds and was already deceased. Dylan, 23, had injured his wife first before turning the knife on himself.
Authorities stated that Dylan’s injuries were severe, and he was taken to St. Cloud Hospital for treatment. Currently, his condition is stable under the care of St. Cloud authorities. After his release from the hospital, Dylan Michael Tobler will be transferred to the Stearns County Jail and will face charges related to this tragic incident.
Johnson, a Republican who previously served as a City Council member in St. Cloud and is a father of two daughters, including Hallie, got married in November 2021 to Dylan Michael Tobler, as reported by DL Online. Meanwhile, Lisa Demuth, a Minnesota House Speaker and a fellow Republican primary candidate, expressed condolences to Johnson and his family through a post on social media on February 9, offering prayers and support during their time of immense loss.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also shared his disbelief over the heartbreaking news by reposting the Minnesota Republican Party’s message on a social media platform, extending deepest condolences to Jeff Johnson and his family. The community united in solidarity and sorrow for the tragic loss experienced by the Johnson family, as friends, political peers, and constituents joined in expressing sympathy and solidarity during this difficult time.