BREAKING: Two Republicans drop out of Minnesota GOP gubernatorial primary, one for very tragic reason

5

A number of Republicans are currently running for the governor’s seat in Minnesota, but on Monday, two of those candidates – both medical doctors – dropped out of the race.

Dr. Scott Jensen dropped out in order to run for a different office.  And sadly, Dr. Jeff Johnson suspended his campaign after his daughter was horrifically stabbed to death over the weekend – apparently by her husband.

From Fox9 Minneapolis: Republican leaders announced Dr. Jeff Johnson would suspend his campaign for Minnesota governor after his daughter was killed in an act of violence in St. Cloud over the weekend.

Dr. Johnson’s daughter was killed Saturday evening in a stabbing inside an apartment along 40th Avenue South off 33rd Street South on the city’s south side.

According to police, the call was originally for a medical emergency, but when first responders arrived, they found the victim, 22-year-old Hallie Tobler, had been stabbed. The suspect in the stabbing, Hallie’s husband, had also been injured by what police believe were self-inflicted stab wounds.

Hallie was pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband was taken to the hospital for treatment. Deputies say he will eventually be moved to the Stearns County Jail to be held on charges related to the homicide. As of Monday morning, he had not been charged yet.

According to KSTP.com, 23-year-old Dylan Michael Tobler, was in the hospital as of Sunday night, but will eventually be booked into Stearns County Jail.

The Minnesota Republican Party released a statement on behalf of the Johnson Family, and announced he is dropping out of the race:

Statement on Dr. Jeff Johnson Family Tragedy
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.
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.

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.

Minnesota State Rep. Lisa Demuth, another Republican running for governor, wrote, “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.”

Kristin Robbins, a second Republican Minnesota State Rep. running for governor, also shared her condolences:

I am heartbroken for Jeff & his family over this horrifying tragedy. I can’t imagine their grief. Please join Brent & me in praying for Jeff & his family. May God be their refuge & strength in the days ahead.

”God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.“
Psalms 46:1-3 NIV

Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar, also running for governor of Minnesota, wrote, “My condolences to Jeff Johnson and his entire family for the loss of their daughter on Saturday night. John and I are praying for all those who loved her during this unimaginably difficult time.”

The second Republican candidate to drop out of the Minnesota governor’s race on Monday is Dr. Scott Jensen.

From the Washington Examiner: Minnesota GOP Gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen said Monday he will no longer seek the leading office in the state and will instead run for state auditor to “declare war” on fraud.

“It’s time to declare war on waste and fraud and abuse,” Jensen said in a video posted on X. “It’s time to resurrect a good government.”

Jensen is the second Republican candidate to drop out of the governor’s race in Minnesota after GOP attorney Chris Madel ended his campaign last month.

Madel cited conflict with the national party’s approach to immigration as reason for his exit.

“Today I’m announcing that I am withdrawing from the Governor’s race, instead I am running to be the next State Auditor of Minnesota. We need to declare war on waste, fraud, and abuse. It’s time to protect your paycheck. Let’s go Minnesota. Let’s get back to work!” Jensen announced, posting his video Monday morning.

“We have excellent candidates running for governor, and I am confident one of my colleagues will be well-positioned to win in November. That’s why I’m shifting my focus,” he explained.

WATCH BELOW:

READ MORE from the Washington Examiner.

Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp

The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS SECTION