Jeff Johnson suspends Minnesota governor bid after daughter Hallie Marie Tobler’s death

Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson has suspended his campaign after his 22-year-old daughter, Hallie Marie Tobler, was found dead with stab wounds in St. Cloud. Prosecutors have now filed a second-degree murder charge against her husband, Dylan Michael Tobler, shifting the case from an early investigation to a court-driven process that will determine what evidence is publicly tested and when.

Police have said the husband was also found at the scene with stab wounds believed to be self-inflicted, and he was taken for medical treatment before being booked.

What happened and when

Officers responded to a medical emergency call at an apartment in St. Cloud on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 (ET). Inside, they found Hallie Marie Tobler with multiple stab wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene. A 23-year-old man—identified as her husband—was also found with stab wounds that investigators believe were self-inflicted.

In the days that followed, Johnson announced he was suspending his run for governor, citing the family tragedy. On Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 (ET), prosecutors charged Dylan Michael Tobler with one count of second-degree murder.

Who Jeff Johnson is in Minnesota politics

Johnson is a former St. Cloud City Council member who entered the 2026 race for Minnesota governor as a Republican. The case has drawn heightened public attention not only because of the brutality of the allegations but because it intersects with an active statewide campaign.

It’s also led to confusion online. Hallie Tobler is not the daughter of Minnesota’s sitting governor; she is the daughter of a candidate who has now halted his campaign. That distinction matters, particularly as social media posts have blurred official roles and amplified rumor-filled accounts.

What’s publicly known about the charge

The second-degree murder count indicates prosecutors believe they can show intent or qualifying circumstances under state law, though the exact theory will be laid out more fully in court filings and hearings. Investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive.

Court documents referenced in recent coverage indicate investigators pieced together a timeline from witness statements, first-responder observations, and evidence collected at the apartment. Some details circulating online—especially claims about prior police calls or specific allegations of earlier incidents—remain unclear at this time unless they appear in formal filings.

How the case is moving through the legal system

With charges filed, the focus shifts to:

• The first court appearances and any bail or detention decisions

• The scope of evidence introduced in pretrial motions

• Whether prosecutors add charges or adjust the case as more forensic and digital evidence is reviewed

• The defense response, including any alternative explanation of events or challenges to investigative steps

Because the husband reportedly sustained serious injuries, the timeline for hearings may also be shaped by medical recovery and competency evaluations, if raised.

What this means for the governor’s race

Johnson’s decision to suspend his campaign removes one candidate’s operation from an already crowded political calendar and forces Minnesota Republicans to recalibrate quickly. The near-term consequence is organizational: donors, volunteers, and endorsements may migrate to other campaigns, and party leaders will likely work to stabilize messaging so the tragedy isn’t politicized.

For voters, the practical effect is that Johnson is no longer campaigning, and it is uncertain whether he will later resume the race. No public timeline has been confirmed for any return.

Key takeaways

• Hallie Marie Tobler, 22, was found dead with stab wounds in St. Cloud on Feb. 7, 2026 (ET).

• Her husband, Dylan Michael Tobler, 23, was found with stab wounds believed to be self-inflicted and later charged.

• Prosecutors filed a second-degree murder charge on Feb. 10, 2026 (ET).

• Jeff Johnson, her father, has suspended his Minnesota gubernatorial campaign.

• Some claims circulating online remain unconfirmed unless supported by official filings.

Sources consulted: Associated Press; Minnesota Public Radio News; CBS News; Minnesota Star Tribune