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WASHINGTON — Jane Fonda is joining a group of Hollywood power players to host a fundraiser for presidential candidate Steve Bullock on Thursday, a show of support that could lend credibility among Democratic donors to the little-known Montana governor.

The Academy Award-winning actress, activist and fitness guru is among a handful of Los Angeles agents, producers and lawyers hosting the event at the home of model and professional golfer Anna Chervin and her talent-agent husband, Ted, according to an invitation obtained by The Associated Press.

Bullock, a cowboy-boot-wearing executive from a rural state won by President Donald Trump, may seem like an unusual benefactor of campaign cash from members of the Hollywood elite often associated with far-left causes. But his success enacting some progressive priorities such as expanding Medicaid, combined with his distinction as the only White House contender to get reelected at the same time his state broke for Trump, has led some donors to take a closer look.

"A progressive governor from a Trump state has a great story to tell," said Rose Kapolczynski, a veteran Democratic strategist in California. As for Fonda, Kapolczynski says she "is a great person to land as a host because she is known by absolutely everyone in the donor community and has decades of credibility."