California Public Affairs Guru Kian Kaeni Takes on Role and Promises Unconventional Approach

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The campaign to elect Stephen J. Cloobeck for California Governor 2026 announced today that Los Angeles County resident Kian Kaeni will assume the role as GC and Chief Operating Officer. Kaeni will work with the team to set strategy, continue to build out foundational teams, and establish all systems and processes while reporting directly to Stephen J. Cloobeck.

Kaeni is founder and president of Dragonfly Public Affairs, a creative and strategic agency that signals public perception and builds momentum for its clients. Kaeni’s unique strategy is to use unconventional approaches with open-minded analysis that reveals the true path forward for the win.

“I knew in an instant that Kian was the perfect choice,” says Stephen J. Cloobeck, candidate for California Governor 2026. “His background, expertise, and philosophy align perfectly with mine. To make California affordable, livable, workable, and open for business as it once was, you can’t think like a career politician. You must be a businessperson who has dealt with it all, who is not afraid to confront conflict and win. You must know how to legislate, regulate, and adjudicate. I’ve done all of it, I’m proven, and Kian understands that strategy and is with me step by step.

“I also want a diverse cabinet around me as I represent this great State,” Cloobeck added. “California needs simplicity, choice, and comfort. Kian’s diverse background adds to my team that already represents Women, Latinos, LGBTQ+, Faith-based, and Union supporter communities with more to come.

“As a hospitality careerist, I want to hear from everyone. When I meet any Californian, I don’t see a voter, I see a customer. I want to know immediately what I can do to make their stay better. My goal is to make ALL of California a 5-Star State, and I, along with Kian’s creative approach, will breathe life back into the California Dream.”

The mission of the Stephen J. Cloobeck campaign for Governor 2026 is to ensure that California reclaims its national and global stature as a place of prosperity and opportunity, one that is open for business again. Cloobeck’s number one priority is to make California affordable, livable, workable for every Californian in every community, and a safe place for all.

“I’m a proud Californian with deep roots in this state,” said Kian Kaeni. “With nearly 25 years of experience in politics, public affairs, and communications, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges we face. I’m inspired by Stephen’s fearless drive to challenge the status quo and tackle California’s toughest issues. He is like a lion, with a big roar and a big heart. We need that type of leadership in California; someone who is not afraid to get into the cage and rumble.”

Kaeni grew up in Southern California and is the son of an immigrant Iranian father and a mother born to poor Iowan farmers. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cum Laude, Political Science, from San Francisco State University in 1998, and his Juris Doctor from Southwestern University School of Law in 2002. Kaeni has worked across the spectrum of political organizations in California, including corporations, non-profits, unions and political operations and lobbying. He lives with his wife and two children.

Stephen J. Cloobeck officially announced his run for California Governor 2026 on Election Night, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles in front of 400 guests and supporters with a massive media ad barrage throughout California and on major cable networks in both English and Spanish. To learn more and to donate to the Stephen J. Cloobeck campaign to restore California’s reputation, revitalize California’s economy, and renew California’s promise, please visit CaliforniaGetACloo.com.

Follow Stephen on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Keep up with the conversation by following @CloobeckForCA and at #CAGetACloo.