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Newcomer Cloobeck invests heavily in TV advertisements for the governor’s election

Wealthy Candidate Launches Major Ad Campaign in California

Stephen J. Cloobeck, a wealthy political contender, has been making a splash by investing $1.4 million in television advertisements since Tuesday. This marks the first wave of ads that Californians can expect ahead of next year’s governor’s election.

While Cloobeck’s campaign declined to share the specifics of a 30-second ad prior to its release, they did confirm the scale of their advertising efforts. Public records indicate that he purchased airtime across all California markets on both cable and broadcast television. Notably, he also secured slots in New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as in West Palm Beach, the location of former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago.

On Monday, campaign advisors confirmed that the advertisements would continue to run until that day, and they also noted the start of a social media initiative.

“I always fight for California. Every Californian deserves a contract that offers affordable, livable, and viable conditions,” Cloobeck stated in a text message. “Watch the ad, and you’ll see how conservative Democrats advocate for all Californians.”

This strategic move follows former Vice President Kamala Harris’s announcement last week regarding her candidacy for governor, leaving the race open and without a clear leader among a field that many California voters may not recognize.

A Democratic strategist pointed out that it is crucial for candidates to establish name recognition among California’s 22.9 million registered voters.

“What’s happening here is unprecedented for typical business practices. This isn’t just a regular race,” remarked Sheri Sadler, a media buyer for the Democratic party who is currently not in the running.

Cloobeck, a philanthropist and businessman from Beverly Hills, isn’t new to such grand-scale advertising. He announced his intention to run for governor last November with a flurry of TV and digital ads.

While Cloobeck’s exact net worth remains unclear, he amassed his wealth through real estate and the hospitality sector. He founded Diamond Resort International, a timeshare and vacation real estate company which he sold in 2016. Additionally, he has appeared in several episodes of the reality show “Undercover Boss,” showcasing executives working undercover in their own businesses.

Although he has never held office before, Cloobeck has been a significant donor and fundraiser within the Democratic sphere. He played a vital role in renaming the Las Vegas airport after the late Senator Harry Reid, whom he described as a paternal figure. His Beverly Hills mansion is filled with photographs of him with Democratic leaders and other influential party members.

Last week, he also announced a $10 million donation to his campaign, adding to an initial investment of $3 million. His wealth was noticeably displayed at the Democratic Spring Conference in California, where he purposefully wore a royal blue shirt emblazoned with his name while interacting with supporters. During this event, Cloobeck stated that his campaign had spent “probably hundreds of thousands of dollars” to support various efforts.