Stephen J. Cloobeck
Business Visionary | Philanthropist | Activist
Stephen J. Cloobeck earned a reputation as a successful businessman when he built Diamond Resorts International into one of world’s top vacation-ownership companies until the company’s sale in 2016. From his base in his home state of California, Cloobeck has since expanded his philanthropic and entrepreneurial ventures, while also previously serving as Chairman of the State of Nevada Athletic Commission and remaining active in politics and government service.
Hospitality businessman Stephen Cloobeck enters the 2026 California governor’s race
The already crowded field of candidates vying to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2026 has grown by one. Southern California philanthropist and businessman Stephen Cloobeck announced his run for California governor on Tuesday with a barrage of advertisements on TV stations and news websites, targeting Californians following the results of the 2024 presidential election. Cloobeck, 63, struck a pro-business tone in the crowded governor’s race, saying in one advertisement that California is “closed for business, and we’ve had enough.”
Business
Stephen J. Cloobeck is a real estate developer, vacation ownership entrepreneur, resort operator, and proven investor with a track record of multiple successful business ventures around the world. His best-known creation, Diamond Resorts International, was sold in 2016 for $2.2 billion to Apollo Global Management.
Philanthropy
Motivated by a commitment to purpose-driven philanthropy, Stephen J. Cloobeck believes in supporting programs and organizations with a proven track record in serving their communities.
Government Service & Activism
Stephen J. Cloobeck doesn’t just back a movement, he fights for it. Whether it’s fighting to rename the Las Vegas Airport after his mentor and friend, the late US Senator Harry Reid, or speaking out about gun control, Stephen gets directly involved in bringing change where it’s needed.
- Recent News -
Facing Hard Truths
How Americans Can Get Real, Pull Together, and Turn Our Country Around
Cloobeck built his reputation transforming dysfunctional companies at the brink of ruin into performance powerhouses. In Facing Hard Truths, he focuses this proven business acumen on our most pressing national concerns like immigration, crime, the cost of living, and the coarsening of political discourse. (more info»)
