Former Democrat California gubernatorial candidate and real estate developer Stephen Cloobeck was arrested Tuesday in Los Angeles County on a felony charge, according to booking records from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Cloobeck, 64, was taken into custody shortly before 11 a.m. and booked at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. Records show he was released just a few hours later after posting $300,000 bail.
Although booking documents did not detail the allegations, the Los Angeles Times reported that sheriff’s officials said Cloobeck was arrested on suspicion of attempting to prevent or dissuade a witness from testifying — a felony offense under California law that can carry significant prison time if prosecuted.
The arrest adds another layer of controversy to the former gubernatorial hopeful’s short-lived political career. Cloobeck, a billionaire real estate and hospitality executive best known for building Diamond Resorts International into a major timeshare company, entered California’s governor race promising to bring private-sector discipline to Sacramento. He pitched himself as a centrist Democrat focused on economic growth, public safety, and government accountability during a period of mounting frustration over homelessness, crime, and the state’s soaring cost of living.
Despite spending millions of dollars on his campaign and attempting to position himself as a political outsider, Cloobeck failed to gain meaningful momentum in a crowded Democratic field and suspended his campaign in November.
After dropping out, Cloobeck endorsed then-Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of the more nationally recognized Democrats in California politics due to his frequent television appearances and outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump during Trump’s first term.
But Swalwell’s political standing collapsed earlier this year after a wave of damaging allegations rocked his office and campaign operation. The California Democrat resigned from Congress in April following widely reported sexual assault accusations that triggered intense media scrutiny and renewed criticism over his judgment and conduct. Swalwell denied wrongdoing, but the controversy rapidly consumed his political future, prompting calls from within his own party for him to step aside.
His resignation marked a stunning downfall for a lawmaker once viewed as a rising Democratic star and possible future presidential contender. Swalwell had built a national profile through his roles on the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, particularly during investigations involving Trump and Russia. However, the scandal abruptly ended his congressional career and left many former allies distancing themselves politically.
Cloobeck’s endorsement of Swalwell now carries fresh political baggage as both men face mounting public controversy. While Swalwell’s career unraveled in spectacular fashion earlier this year, Cloobeck is now confronting legal troubles of his own.
Authorities have not announced whether formal charges will ultimately be filed against Cloobeck.
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TWO MORE DEMOCRATS BITE THE DUST. THEIR SOCIALIST/COMMUNIST PARTY WILL FAIL, PERIOD.