A top Hollywood publicist says the excitement in Los Angeles over Texas Democratic Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke is at a level he hasn't seen for a national liberal politician in years.

Danny Deraney, whose clientele has included A-listers like Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Madonna, told NBC News in another profile of O'Rourke that he has effectively swept the famously progressive town off its feet:

Danny Deraney, a Hollywood publicist who has worked with celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Madonna, said he hasn't seen Los Angeles this excited about a national politician in years. "Barack Obama kind of swept everybody off their feet, and I think Beto has done that here, too," he said. "Here in a city that is pretty left-leaning, they see someone who is hopeful for this party, that is not the same old same old. I think people see him as someone who is refreshing." Celebrities and sports stars from LeBron James to Ellen DeGeneres to Tony Dungy to Stephen King have expressed their Beto-love. Steve Kerr, the coach of the NBA champion Golden State Warriors, wants him to run for president. And New York City donors were willing to shell out at least $250 for a recent O'Rourke fundraiser — even though the candidate only appeared via Skype.