Public Policy Institute of California
5%4%3%2%1%0%
California Governor winner?
$46.3M
NOV 4, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Overview
Current roleBusinessman
PartyRepublican
Age64 years old (Oct 26, 1961)
GenderMale
LocationCalifornia
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BackgroundBusinessman
EducationBrandeis University (B.S., Psychobiology; 1983)
Notable personal detailsStephen J. Cloobeck is an American businessman and philanthropist best known as the founder and former chairman and CEO of Diamond Resorts, a vacation-ownership/timeshare company sold in 2016. He has served in public-facing civic roles, including as chairman of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Cloobeck launched a campaign for California governor in the 2026 cycle but later withdrew from the race.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgstephenjcloobeck.comreviewjournal.commilkeninstitute.orglatimes.comsacbee.comcbsnews.comes.wikipedia.orgtransparencyusa.orgcaliforniainsider.comcalmatters.orgeverything.explained.todayen.wikipedia-on-ipfs.orgballot-access.orgelections.cdn.sos.ca.govassets.noviams.comcenteractionfund.orgcavconline.comcaliforniagetacloo.compasadenamag.comsfstandard.comknpr.orgfoxnews.combusinesswire.comhousedemocrats.wa.govdavidstuebe.houserepublicans.wa.govpolitico.comnews-medical.netdockets.justia.comcalonews.comapnews.comstatic.politico.comassets.apnews.comvotesmart.orgnga.orgballotready.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgfec.govdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcongress.govenergy.senate.govgallego.senate.govcdn.ballotpedia.orggovinfo.govdurbin.senate.govwhitehouse.govcommerce.senate.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
The candidate emphasizes making California “open for business,” increasing affordability, and treating taxpayers like customers by demanding clear taxpayer return on investment for state programs. He has criticized opponents for raising taxes and highlights states with no income tax while proposing government accountability measures (evaluations of programs, fraud-bounty incentives) to reduce waste. His messaging prioritizes business-friendly policies and fiscal accountability rather than proposing new progressive tax increases or expanded redistribution programs.
Healthcare
The candidate highlights healthcare as one of several priorities (affordability and access are general themes) but does not present a clear, detailed policy on coverage expansion or specific reforms. Public statements emphasize affordability and cutting regulatory barriers rather than proposing explicit healthcare programs. Available materials contain general pledges and critiques of regulation but no specific stance on Medicare for All, a public option, Medi‑Cal expansion, or major privatization proposals.
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Immigration & Border
Supports immigrant-friendly approaches that criticize aggressive federal immigration enforcement such as ICE raids and frames immigration as an issue to be addressed alongside other social priorities. Platform materials list immigration as a policy area to be addressed but do not lay out a detailed legislative plan in the cited campaign announcement.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate supports abortion rights and opposes efforts to restrict access or impose a crackdown on reproductive care. Public commentary indicates he identifies as a Democrat who is committed to protecting abortion access while presenting himself as a “conservative Democrat” on other issues.
Climate & Energy
The candidate has proposed pausing or rolling back certain environmental regulations (including CEQA, species/wildlife acts, and the Coastal Commission) to speed housing and development and has taken a pro-business, deregulatory approach to state policy. He has not put forward aggressive emissions-cutting or Green New Deal–style proposals in the cited campaign materials and news coverage. Campaign filings and reporting show he has not joined some Democrats in pledges to refuse oil-industry donations.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate has publicly spoken in favor of stronger gun-control measures and criticized elected officials for opposing gun-safety laws; he has been described as speaking out about gun control and withdrawing support from politicians who sided with the NRA. His campaign/personal site highlights activism on gun control and public safety.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
Stephen Cloobeck is in the news as one of many Democrats still running in California’s crowded 2026 governor’s race, despite party chair Rusty Hicks urging lower-polling candidates to drop out ahead of the filing deadline. Hicks’ effort to shrink the field largely failed, keeping concerns alive that Democrats could split the vote under the top-two primary system and potentially allow two Republicans to advance. Recent analysis and polling discussion has highlighted this risk, with Republicans Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton cited as leading contenders while Democrats remain divided across multiple candidates.
en.wikipedia.org+47
Articles
UNU.S. News & World Report3 months ago
Top California Democrat Flops With Call for Candidates to Exit Governor's Race
Neutral
WWTOP3 months ago
Fearing GOP upset, top California Democrat urges lagging candidates for governor to drop out of race
Neutral
UTUSA TODAY3 months ago
Can't win in primary election? Drop out, California Democrats say
Neutral
WWTOP3 months ago
Top California Democrat flops with call for candidates to exit governor’s race
Neutral
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising