Billionaire Backer of Swalwell’s Campaign Reacts to Recent Sexual Assault Allegations
Billionaire Businessman Claims Rep. Swalwell Breached Trust Amid Misconduct Allegations
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. — A billionaire businessman has claimed he expelled Representative Eric Swalwell from his Beverly Hills residence over the weekend, alleging the Congressman "broke his trust" amid multiple accusations of sexual assault and misconduct that Swalwell has denied.
In an interview with FOX 11’s Matthew Seedorff, Stephen Cloobeck, a former major donor and supporter of Swalwell, expressed his anger and disappointment in response to the allegations. “Mad? I’m no longer a Democrat. I’m now a Libertarian Republican, because that’s what a blue-collar Democrat used to be,” Cloobeck declared.
The allegations have triggered significant political repercussions. Swalwell, who was previously regarded as a leading Democratic candidate for California governor, has withdrawn from the race and resigned from Congress. He posted a video Friday from Cloobeck’s home denying the accusations, but the pressure has mounted as further details have emerged.
Cloobeck recounted confronting Swalwell, demanding that he leave his home. "You busted the trust. I’m disappointed and disgusted — get out of here," he stated.
The governor’s race is currently in disarray, with two Republicans and seven Democrats competing for the top two positions in the June primary. Campaigns are rapidly mobilizing to court Swalwell’s former supporters. Political strategist Luis Alvarado commented, “It creates a void Democrats haven’t been able to figure out in the last six months — and now they’re going to have to figure it out in the next six days.”
A former senior communications adviser for Swalwell anonymously expressed shock at the allegations. “We were lied to by someone we trusted to lead this state," the adviser said, emphasizing that voters "deserve leaders who uphold the highest standards of integrity and moral character."
Cloobeck raised broader concerns about behavior in Washington. "You don’t sleep with people you work with — you don’t do it. And I’m telling you, there are so many more in D.C. that need to be looked at," he remarked.
The situation is evolving as ballots for the June primary are set to be mailed next month. When asked about his current relationship with Swalwell, Cloobeck was blunt: "Eric who? Is that clear? Don’t bust the trust — you don’t exist in my life."
Swalwell, for his part, expressed regret in a statement, acknowledging "mistakes in judgment" and apologizing to his family, staff, and constituents, while continuing to deny the most serious allegations. Cloobeck, who briefly ran for governor before withdrawing and endorsing Swalwell, reflected that he now regrets both actions.
