Businessman Cuts Ties With Embattled Politician Swalwell

Stephen Cloobeck no longer supports ex-California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell amid sexual misconduct allegations.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:48am

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A dimly lit, cinematic office space with a lone desk, chair, and window overlooking a city skyline at dusk, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, creating a pensive, contemplative mood.The withdrawal of support from a prominent businessman underscores the serious political and personal consequences facing an embattled politician.Los Angeles Today

Businessman and former supporter of Rep. Eric Swalwell, Stephen Cloobeck, has cut ties with the embattled ex-California gubernatorial candidate after at least four women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct. Cloobeck, who had previously endorsed and donated to Swalwell's campaign, said he 'cannot support Eric Swalwell anymore' due to the allegations.

Why it matters

The decision by Cloobeck, a prominent California businessman and political donor, to withdraw his support for Swalwell highlights the growing fallout from the sexual misconduct allegations against the politician. Swalwell's campaign for California governor has now been suspended as he focuses on clearing his name.

The details

Cloobeck told NBC Los Angeles that after the allegations surfaced on Friday, Swalwell stayed with him at his Los Angeles-area home, but has since left. Cloobeck said he was 'very concerned for his mental health' but no longer knows where Swalwell went. The allegations against Swalwell were first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, in which a former aide said he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN later reported that four women in total have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct.

  • The allegations against Swalwell were first reported on Friday.
  • Swalwell announced the suspension of his California gubernatorial campaign on Sunday.

The players

Stephen Cloobeck

A businessman and former supporter of Eric Swalwell who has now cut ties with the embattled politician.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic politician who was running for California governor before suspending his campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations from at least four women.

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What they’re saying

“You know, I live in the world of integrity, morals, ethics. I want what's best for California and I am disturbed, and I cannot support Eric Swalwell anymore.”

— Stephen Cloobeck, Businessman

“To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past.”

— Eric Swalwell

The takeaway

The withdrawal of support from a prominent businessman like Cloobeck underscores the serious political and personal consequences Swalwell is facing due to the sexual misconduct allegations. The fallout could have wider implications for Swalwell's political future and the California gubernatorial race.