‘Cannot support Eric Swalwell anymore.’ Businessman Stephen Cloobeck cuts ties with embattled politician

Businessman and former supporter of Rep. Eric Swalwell, Stephen Cloobeck, is no longer backing the embattled ex-California gubernatorial candidate, he told NBC Los Angeles in an exclusive interview on Sunday.

The decision to cut ties with Swalwell comes after at least four women accused him of sexual misconduct. One of Swalwell’s accusers is his former aide, who said the politician sexually assaulted her twice.

“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,” Cloobeck told NBCLA.

Swalwell, a democrat on the crowded bill of hopefuls vying to be the Golden State’s next leader, announced on Sunday the suspension of his campaign for California governor. Although he denied the allegations against him, Swalwell said the battle to clear his name is his fight, not his campaign’s.

“To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” he said in part in his announcement.

Cloobeck said after the allegations came to light on Friday, Swelwell stayed with him at his Los Angeles-area home. As of Sunday, he is no longer there.

“I was very concerned for his mental health,” Cloobeck said. “… I was very concerned for his mental health, and I made sure he was OK. He is not here. He has left. I have no idea where he went.”

California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has suspended his campaign following allegations of sexual assault.⁠ Conan Nolan reports for the NBC4 News at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Cloobeck, a former candidate for California governor, himself, endorsed Swalwell after he ended his campaign in November 2025. He donated thousands of dollars to Swalwell’s race.

Allegations against Swalwell were first publicized in a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, in which a former aide said he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. NBC News has not verified the woman’s allegations, but did confirm her identity and that she worked for the politician from 2019 until 2021.

Later, CNN reported that four women accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct. NBC News has not independently corroborated their stories.