Patrick Dempsey, the actor known for his role on "Grey's Anatomy," has definitively ruled out a U.S. Senate run in his home state of Maine, dashing hopes among some Democrats for a high-profile candidate to replace embattled nominee Graham Platner.
In an op-ed published Tuesday in the Portland Press Herald, Dempsey acknowledged that he had been approached by multiple people about a possible campaign, but after careful consideration, he decided against it. "After a lot of thought, I realized the answer is no," he wrote. "Not because public service isn't honorable — it absolutely is. But because I believe I can contribute more effectively through the life I've already built."
The 60-year-old Lewiston native, who founded the Dempsey Center in 2008 following his mother's battle with ovarian cancer, emphasized his commitment to cancer care and support across Maine. The center operates three locations in the state, providing services to hundreds of families.
Dempsey's decision comes at a turbulent moment for Maine Democrats, who are scrambling to replace Platner after two women publicly accused him of sexual misconduct. One woman alleged that Platner raped her in 2021, while another claimed he removed a condom without consent during sex. Platner has denied the allegations and has not withdrawn from the race, despite mounting pressure from party leaders.
The scandal has deepened internal divisions within the state party, with multiple Democrats lining up to potentially replace Platner on the ballot against five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins. The Maine Democratic Party is now working to establish a process for a replacement, but the nominee's refusal to exit has complicated matters.
Dempsey did not endorse any specific candidate but expressed hope that whoever replaces Platner would offer a fresh approach to governance. "I want someone who leads with empathy," he wrote. "Someone who listens before speaking, who has the courage to work with people they disagree with and who understands that public office isn't about power. It's about service."
The actor's statement aligns with broader calls for change within the party, as highlighted in recent reporting on the internal strife plaguing Maine Democrats as the replacement deadline approaches. Some activists have also criticized the party for excluding grassroots voices in the selection process.
Meanwhile, prominent figures like Senator John Fetterman have blasted Platner as 'entitled', and veterans groups have withdrawn their support. The scandal has also drawn attention from author Stephen King, who deleted a post defending Platner amid the allegations.
As the situation unfolds, Dempsey's decision to stay out of the race underscores the challenges facing Democrats in Maine as they attempt to unseat Collins in a deeply contested race.
