Billionaire Cuts Ties With Congressman Swalwell After Sex Allegations

Stephen Cloobeck kicks Swalwell out of mansion, demands $1M back in wake of misconduct claims

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A conceptual illustration featuring overlapping, fragmented geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and red, representing the political turmoil surrounding the allegations against a politician.The fallout from the allegations against Congressman Swalwell has created political upheaval, as evidenced by a billionaire donor's dramatic decision to cut ties.Los Angeles Today

Lefty billionaire Stephen Cloobeck has dramatically cut ties with Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, kicking him out of Cloobeck's Beverly Hills mansion and demanding the return of over $1 million in campaign contributions after several women accused Swalwell of rape, sexual assault, and other misconduct. Cloobeck, a longtime Democratic donor, says he is now considering switching his party affiliation to Libertarian due to his frustration with the Democratic Party.

Why it matters

The fallout from the allegations against Swalwell marks a stunning downfall for the California congressman, who recently withdrew from the race for governor. The scandal has led to Swalwell losing most of his political endorsements and facing potential expulsion from Congress, as well as a criminal investigation. Cloobeck's decision to distance himself from Swalwell and demand his money back highlights the serious nature of the allegations and the political damage they have caused.

The details

Following the public allegations of rape, sexual assault, and other misconduct made by several women who knew or worked for Swalwell, the Bay Area congressman has lost most of his endorsements and is potentially facing expulsion from Congress and a criminal investigation. Cloobeck, who spent over $1 million supporting Swalwell's political ambitions, has now kicked the congressman out of his Beverly Hills mansion and is considering trying to claw back the $1 million in campaign contributions he made. Cloobeck, who has been a Democrat for nearly 40 years, says he is now considering switching his party affiliation to Libertarian due to his frustration with the Democratic Party.

  • On April 13, 2026, the allegations against Swalwell were made public.
  • On April 13, 2026, Swalwell withdrew from the California governor's race.
  • On April 13, 2026, Cloobeck revealed he has kicked Swalwell out of his mansion.

The players

Stephen Cloobeck

A lefty billionaire and longtime Democratic donor who has dramatically cut ties with Congressman Eric Swalwell after the allegations against him surfaced.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from California who is facing allegations of rape, sexual assault, and other misconduct from several women, leading to him losing most of his political endorsements and potentially facing expulsion from Congress and a criminal investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am no longer supporting Eric. F—ing tell everyone I'm a libertarian. F— you, Democrat Party. I'm a libertarian now.”

— Stephen Cloobeck, Billionaire

“I don't know where these facts are going to end up — you hear or read all this stuff.”

— Stephen Cloobeck, Billionaire

What’s next

Cloobeck says he will need to consult with his attorney to determine if he can legally recoup the $1 million he donated to support Swalwell's political ambitions. The allegations against Swalwell are also expected to be the subject of a criminal investigation.

The takeaway

The dramatic fallout between Cloobeck and Swalwell highlights the serious nature of the misconduct allegations against the congressman and the significant political damage they have caused to his career. Cloobeck's decision to cut ties and demand his money back underscores the gravity of the situation and raises further questions about Swalwell's future in politics.