Swalwell Ally Leaves Dem Party, Becomes ‘Republican’ Over Worsening Scandal
A major Democratic donor has publicly broken ranks with Rep. Eric Swalwell, delivering a stunning rebuke just as the embattled California lawmaker’s political career appears to be unraveling under mounting allegations.
Billionaire businessman Stephen Cloobeck announced he has cut off ties with Swalwell and ordered him out of his Beverly Hills residence, according to remarks made shortly before the congressman abruptly ended his gubernatorial campaign and signaled plans to step down from Congress.
Speaking candidly in an interview with a local Fox affiliate, Cloobeck made clear his frustration had reached a boiling point. Once a loyal Democrat, he declared he is now abandoning the party altogether, describing himself instead as a “Libertarian-Republican”—a nod to the more moderate, traditionally pro-America faction of Democrats that once prioritized fiscal restraint and common-sense governance.
The fallout marks a dramatic turning point for Swalwell, who just days earlier had still been clinging to political viability. His campaign imploded after multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct, claims that reportedly involved individuals who knew or worked with him. As scrutiny intensified, Swalwell hemorrhaged endorsements and began facing the possibility of congressional action, alongside reports of a potential criminal investigation.
Cloobeck, who had poured more than $1 million into supporting Swalwell’s political ambitions, had previously opened his home to the congressman—who even recorded a video there attempting to deny the allegations. That relationship has now ended decisively.
“I have a lot of people who stay at my house,” Cloobeck said with a laugh. “I built a gorgeous place, my dream home, I relish it, and I’m a very generous man. I’m very thoughtful and I’m very kind.”
But behind the humor was clear frustration. Cloobeck admitted he was blindsided by the severity of the accusations and said the information that surfaced afterward made continued support impossible.
He has also indicated he may pursue legal options to recover the substantial funds he directed toward pro-Swalwell efforts, signaling just how deep the rupture has become.
The reversal is especially striking given Cloobeck’s prior loyalty. Only weeks earlier, he had referred to Swalwell as his “little brother” and brushed aside concerns about inappropriate behavior. Now, he is openly questioning whether the congressman had been truthful with him.
“I don’t know where these facts are going to end up — you hear or read all this stuff,” he said. When asked whether he believed Swalwell had been honest and upfront with him, Cloobeck responded: “I’m gonna have to investigate that. I don’t know the answer to that.”
Cloobeck, known for his business success and appearances on Undercover Boss, has long been a major financial backer in Democratic circles. His contributions to Swalwell included not only direct campaign donations but also luxury perks, such as a reported trip to France valued at roughly $31,000.
Now, however, Cloobeck is turning his fire on the Democratic establishment more broadly. He blasted fellow billionaire Tom Steyer, criticizing the environmental activist’s massive self-funded political spending as wasteful.
“I’ve met most of the players, and I will continue to,” Cloobeck said, before making his break with the party unmistakably clear. “I’m going to change my Godd— party affiliation, because I cannot stand this Democratic Party at all,” he told The Post. “I am done. Finito.”
The high-profile defection underscores growing fractures within the Democratic Party, as scandals, internal divisions, and shifting voter priorities continue to reshape the political landscape under President Donald J. Trump’s second term.