Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger hosted Nithya Raman, a Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate for Los Angeles mayor, at a private, off-the-record meeting with prominent Hollywood, business, and nonprofit figures at his Los Angeles office last week, according to TMZ, putting Raman in a room with some of the city’s most influential figures as she campaigns to lead the nation’s second-largest city.

Raman, a Los Angeles City Council member seeking to become mayor, is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Her appearance at the meeting reportedly surprised some attendees because of her ties to the organization.

The gathering included at least seven people associated with United Talent Agency, including Schwarzenegger's agent Jim Berkus. Executives involved in celebrity finance and clean technology also attended, along with the CEO of After-School All-Stars and the director of the USC Schwarzenegger Institute.

Rather than a formal presentation with predetermined questions, Raman faced an open-ended discussion about Los Angeles and the problems confronting the city. Attendees were allowed to question her directly about her views and proposed approach to governing.

Some people who entered the meeting skeptical of Raman reportedly left with a more favorable impression after hearing her make her case and respond to their questions.

Schwarzenegger's chief of staff said Raman was subjected to difficult questions during the meeting and handled them well.

The meeting is notable because it gave a candidate backed by a democratic socialist organization direct exposure to prominent figures in Hollywood and the business community, including people with connections to major entertainment and philanthropic institutions.

Schwarzenegger, a Republican who served as California governor from 2003 through 2011, has maintained a prominent role in Los Angeles civic life since leaving elected office. His decision to host Raman provided her with an opportunity to engage privately with a group of influential Angelenos who might otherwise be difficult for a mayoral candidate to bring together in one room.

Raman's campaign now enters a broader political contest in which her positions and Democratic socialist backing are likely to remain part of the discussion as Los Angeles voters consider the city's direction.