<\/div><\/aside>\n

A report says billionaire businessman Stephen Cloobeck-an associate of Democratic megadonor circles and formerly tied to disgraced ex-Cong. Eric Swalwell-was arrested in Los Angeles on a felony charge involving allegedly trying to prevent or dissuade a witness from testifying. Cloobeck was taken into custody by LA County Sheriff\u2019s deputies and released after posting a $300,000 bond; his attorney said the charges are false.<\/p>\n

The article also reviews Cloobeck\u2019s prior fallout with Swalwell, including claims that he cut ties with him in April amid allegations of sexual assault, drugging, and rape. It notes Cloobeck had donated more than $1 million to swalwell\u2019s campaign before the scandal and later said he wanted the money back. Separately, it discusses early polling for California\u2019s 2026 governor\u2019s race under the state\u2019s \u201ctop-two\u201d primary system, were the top two vote-getters advance<\/a> nonetheless<\/a> of party. The piece suggests Democrats may be rethinking the primary process after tight polling and references efforts to repeal the system via a ballot measure planned for the 2028 election cycle. <\/p>\n