The pop star showed her backing for Dr. Amy Acton during a performance in Columbus, Ohio, amid controversy over an advertisement involving Acton's family.

At a recent concert in Columbus, Ohio, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo made headlines by wearing a shirt supporting Dr. Amy Acton, who is running for governor of the state. The event, which reportedly took place on October 29, 2026, at the Schottenstein Center, saw Rodrigo not only perform her hit songs but also extend a gesture of support to Acton by giving her flowers 3.
This show of solidarity came just days before the crucial November 3, 2026, midterm election, highlighting the influence that celebrities can have on political races. Dr. Amy Acton, a public health expert and former director of the Ohio Department of Health, has been vying for the governorship against Vivek Ramaswamy, a businessman and entrepreneur 32.
However, the race has been marked by controversy due to an advertisement released by Ramaswamy’s campaign. The ad featured Acton’s estranged mother and mentioned a past sexual abuse case involving Acton’s stepfather, drawing criticism from supporters of the gubernatorial candidate 2. Despite this, Rodrigo’s support for Acton could be seen as a significant endorsement, especially considering the pop star’s previous success in raising funds for charitable causes 2.
Rodrigo, known for her philanthropic efforts, previously managed to raise $20 million for women’s charities through her Daisy Chain Fields festival, showcasing her commitment to social causes 2. Her backing of Acton at the Columbus concert adds another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding the Ohio gubernatorial race, where personal stories and celebrity endorsements play a pivotal role.
The concert, held on a Friday night, was part of Rodrigo’s tour and offered fans not only a chance to see their favorite artist perform but also to witness a moment of political significance 3. As the election approaches, the support from a high-profile figure like Rodrigo could make a difference in the closely watched race for Ohio’s top office.
Likely accurate — probability of truth 75%, weighted across 11 claims from 4 independent outlets.