California a ‘broken state': Governor hopeful Stephen Cloobeck
Share and Follow


() California enjoys the title of world’s fifth-largest economy, but gubernatorial candidate Stephen Cloobeck concedes the state is not very affordable for many residents.

“I fixed the most broken of businesses in my career, and California is a broken state,” Cloobeck, former chairman and CEO of Diamond Resorts, told “ Now” on Friday.

His ideas to turn things around include revamping and simplifying California’s entertainment tax credit program to “solidify our greatest export.” Cloobeck said California is being eclipsed by some of its competitors, including the state of Georgia.

The 63-year-old, who frequently appeared on the CBS reality TV show “Undercover Boss,” is one of several Democrats expected to run for California governor in 2026. The field may include former Vice President Kamala Harris, who is said to be weighing a run.

The economy of California, with a gross domestic product of more than $3.5 trillion, ranks fifth in the world, behind the United States, China, Germany and Japan. Cloobeck said tariffs hurt consumers with cost add-ons.

“If we’ve got these great worldwide economies, and I believe in free trade, why don’t we sit down with our partners and say, ‘Look, we’ve got a little trade imbalance here. Let’s see if we can find another way of working it out and equalizing it,’” he said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Jessica Alba packs on PDA with beau Danny Ramirez outside his home

Jessica Alba Shares Affectionate Moment with Boyfriend Danny Ramirez Outside of His House

Jessica Alba’s sizzling new romance with Top Gun: Maverick star Danny Ramirez…
MLB Saturday picks, player props, odds

Saturday MLB Predictions: Player Prop Bets and Odds

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
NYC Mayor Adams blasts Cuomo for resigning as NY governor during sexual harrassment probe

NYC Mayor Adams Criticizes Cuomo’s Resignation During Sexual Harassment Investigation

On Saturday, Mayor Eric Adams criticized Andrew Cuomo for resigning as governor…
85-year-old fulfills skydiving dream, honors late husband

85-Year-Old Woman Achieves Skydiving Dream in Tribute to Late Husband

SULLIVAN, Mo. (KTVI) — 85-year-old Charlotte Moszczenski is a bit of a…
Beyoncé reunites Destiny's Child for final 'Cowboy Carter' tour date

Beyoncé Brings Destiny’s Child Together for Last ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour Performance

Crowds were jumpin’ jumpin’ in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium after Beyoncé surprised…
Trump notches winning streak in Supreme Court emergency docket deluge 

Trump Scores Multiple Victories with Supreme Court’s Emergency Docket

President Trump is on a winning streak at the Supreme Court with…
The ultimate orgasm secret women don't talk about: ASK JANA

Discover the Hidden Secret to Women’s Ultimate Satisfaction: ASK JANA

Dear Jana,  At 46, I’m getting engaged for the first time and…
Moment easyJet passenger yells 'I've got a bomb' on flight

Incident on easyJet Flight as Passenger Shouts About Having a Bomb

This is the terrifying moment a man stood up on a packed…