Since announcing his campaign on November 5th, 2024, Democratic California gubernatorial candidate Stephen J. Cloobeck has raised $3.4 million in campaign funds, demonstrating strong support for his economic and affordability reform platform to rebuild the California Dream.

Cloobeck's campaign's fundraising success during a traditionally quiet holiday season shows growing confidence ahead of the June 2026 primary.

"The people of California are demanding new leadership and are demonstrating that need with their support," said Cloobeck. "Incumbent politicians have failed to address our state's challenges, especially evident during the recent wildfire disasters, and we are delivering solutions to make California affordable, livable and workable for everyone."

Notably, Cloobeck's campaign has attracted significant grassroots support, with many donations coming from small donors of $100 or less. Freda Payne, a $35 donor from Encino, Calif., said: "I put my money in someone who I thought could get the job done, who focused on the things that mattered to me. I found his words inspiring, encouraging, and full of hope. I needed to know there would be change, and Stephen was governing for us the right way."

During the recent Southern California wildfires, Cloobeck demonstrated his commitment to community service, pausing his campaign to support relief efforts. As a leader of the Los Angeles Dream Center for five years, he has provided volunteer time and financial assistance to help with relief efforts. Cloobeck also supports organizations in Altadena that help working families who lost their homes and jobs in the fires.

Buoyed by campaign momentum, Cloobeck is about to release his second book, "Facing Hard Truths: How Americans Can Get Real, Pull Together, and Turn Our Country Around". This book draws on his more than 40 years of business experience to propose practical solutions to California's challenges.