‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Patrick Dempsey says he won’t run for Senate in Maine

Actor Patrick Dempsey, best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, has officially ruled out running for the U.S. Senate in his home state of Maine. The decision comes amid a shifting political landscape following the withdrawal of Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner, who stepped down after facing allegations of sexual assault. Dempsey, a native of Lewiston, Maine, expressed his choice in an op-ed published by the Portland Press Herald just hours before Platner announced his exit from the race.

Dempsey's decision follows a period during which his name was considered as a potential replacement for Platner. A recent survey by Tavern Research, a Democratic polling firm, listed Dempsey among several names floated as candidates for the Senate seat. Other names included former state Senate President Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah, both of whom had previously lost bids in Maine’s Democratic gubernatorial primary. Jackson had already filed paperwork to explore running for the Senate, while Shah, along with state Rep. Valli Geiger and state House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, had indicated interest in the race but had not yet confirmed their candidacy.

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who also ran in the Democratic primary for governor, stated she would "seriously consider entering this race" should Platner withdraw. The state Democratic Party ultimately decided to hold a nominating convention to select a replacement for Platner, signaling the beginning of a formal process to determine the next Democratic Senate candidate.

In his op-ed, Dempsey reflected on the responsibility that comes with public office and acknowledged the weight of the decision. He admitted that he had considered running for the Senate and found the idea flattering. However, after careful consideration, he concluded that his current contributions through the Dempsey Center—a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and providing care for cancer patients—were where he could make the most meaningful impact. The center honors his late mother, who passed away in 2014 after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1997.

Dempsey emphasized his deep connection to Maine and his concern over the national direction of the country. He described his commitment to the values of unity and compassion, stating that the Dempsey Center exemplifies these ideals. "No one asks who you voted for before offering support. That’s the America I know. That’s what I want to see in the leader we send to the Senate," he wrote.

The political implications of Platner's withdrawal remain uncertain. While the Democratic Party has moved forward with plans for a nominating convention, the race for the Senate seat is likely to attract significant attention and competition. With multiple potential candidates expressing interest, the outcome of the convention will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Maine’s representation in the U.S. Senate. As the situation develops, the focus will shift toward determining who will represent Maine in the upcoming election, marking a pivotal moment in the state's political history.