Former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is opening doors for DSA-backed L.A. mayoral candidate Nithya Raman — bringing her face-to-face with some of the city’s biggest power players, TMZ reports.
He hosted an off-the-record meeting at his L.A. office last week. Hollywood, business, and nonprofit leaders could ask her anything.
Some were shocked he’d host a democratic socialist. After her pitch on L.A.’s problems, several who arrived skeptical walked away impressed.
In the room: at least seven people from United Talent Agency — including his agent Jim Berkus — plus execs in celebrity finance and clean tech, the CEO of After-School All-Stars, and the director of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute.
His chief of staff said Raman faced tough, unlimited questions and handled them well.
tmz.com/2026/09/25/arnold-sc…