This midterm election cycle is drawing unusual attention as Democrats pursue an expected blue wave in the House and possibly the Senate. Celebrities are adding their voices and considerable platforms to the political conversation as Election Day approaches.

Some Democratic candidates have attracted a small army of famous supporters. Others needed only one recognizable figure to propel their campaigns further into the national spotlight.

El-Sayed’s campaign to represent Michigan in the Senate had already gained national attention without celebrity assistance. That has not stopped prominent artists, actors, and online personalities from lining up behind the Democrat.

Bruce Springsteen has publicly expressed his support, while actors Susan Sarandon and Adam Brody have also backed El-Sayed. Ms. Rachel, the children’s education YouTuber who became an activist for children held in ICE detention centers, joined the growing roster as well.

El-Sayed remains locked in a tight race against Republican Mike Rogers. Yet the latest endorsement received by Rogers appeared to be doing more to help El-Sayed than any celebrity testimonial could have managed.

In Ohio, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton drew increased attention after egregious advertisements against her gave a platform to her estranged, abusive mother. Pop star Olivia Rodrigo then pushed Acton’s momentum further during a concert appearance in the state.

At one of Rodrigo’s two concerts in Columbus, Ohio, the singer wore a shirt supporting Acton. Rodrigo also hugged the candidate, who was in the crowd, and handed her a small bouquet of flowers during the performance.

The bouquet exchange is a standard feature of Rodrigo’s act, but the identity of the recipient made this particular moment stand out. Rodrigo’s choice of clothing made her political preference equally difficult to miss.

Talarico, meanwhile, is competing in one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country. The candidate has assembled a broad network of voters and celebrities while facing hatred and homophobia from Republicans.

Willie Nelson and Bill Nye count themselves among the people calling themselves Talafreakos. Television creator Shonda Rhimes also hosted a joint fundraiser supporting Talarico and Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Ossoff, the incumbent Peach State senator, has assembled his own substantial lineup of celebrity supporters. Comedian and longtime outspoken activist John Leguizamo was among those publicly urging voters to stand with him.

“This is the guy to vote for and stand behind!!” Leguizamo tweeted.

Other entertainment figures supported Ossoff financially, including Ben Stiller, Chuck Lorre, Sally Field, Larry David, and Annette Bening. Their contributions also supplied an attack point for Ossoff’s Republican opponent.

The president is not on the ballot, but Trump has been traveling around the country and acting as though he is. He has also brought along his own collection of so called celebrities while urging people to vote.

Rapper Nicki Minaj, who notably cannot vote, has become a regular presence in Trump’s campaign operation. Country music artist Jason Aldean, who wrote the racist ballad “Try That in a Small Town,” has appeared alongside the president as well.

Trump may be campaigning as though voters are choosing him directly, but the article argues that his push has not appeared successful. The celebrity company he keeps is hardly making a more persuasive case.

Democratic candidates, by contrast, are entering Election Day with backing from major names in music, television, film, comedy, and online entertainment. From Springsteen and Rodrigo to Nelson and Rhimes, those supporters are using their audiences to keep crucial races in the national conversation.