Alec Baldwin, Alyssa Milano raising money for Andrew Gillum

Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum heads to California this week to mingle with celebrities and Democratic activists at a high-profile fundraiser at the Santa Monica home of entertainment industry lawyer Skip Brittenham and his wife, actress and author Heather Thomas.

Tallahassee’s mayor is one of three Democratic candidates for governor in 2018 to be featured at the Thursday reception; Stacey Abrams of Georgia and David Garcia of Arizona are joining the event, which will also benefit Gillum’s associated PAC, Forward Florida. The three candidates also recently appeared at a forum where they received an endorsement from the ultra-liberal group People for the American Way.

Republicans control each of the three states, but a change in demographics gives Democrats hope they will become competitive in 2018.

Among those on the blockbuster host committee include actors Alec Baldwin, Alyssa Milano and Rashida Jones, Democratic consultant Van Jones, as well as producers Norman Lear (founder of People for the American Way), Susan Harris and Paul Junger Witt, who have been longtime Democratic supporters.

According to the invite, tickets the event start at $250 for “young progressives,” $500 for supporters and $1,000 for “friend.” A co-host spot is $5,000, and $10,000 to co-chair.

The backing of West Coast Democratic elite will serve as a big boost to Gillum, who faces former Tallahassee Congresswoman Gwen Graham, Winter Park businessman Chris King and former Miami Beach Mayor Phil Levine in the race for the Democratic nomination for Florida governor.

Gillum has promoted himself as the only “true progressive” in the race.