Patrick Dempsey, known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy,” will not be entering the Senate race in Maine. This announcement follows speculation about Dempsey as a potential replacement for Graham Platner, the embattled Democratic nominee.
In an op-ed published by the Portland Press Herald, Dempsey, a native of Maine, expressed his decision. He stated, “I kept coming back to one question: Do I truly want to serve in Congress? After a lot of thought, I realized the answer is no.”
Dempsey emphasized that it was not a dismissal of public service’s honor but felt he could contribute more through his current endeavors. Dempsey’s announcement came amid new allegations of sexual assault against Platner, which Platner denies. These allegations have led to the withdrawal of endorsements from his supporters in Congress.
A poll by Tavern Research, a Democratic polling firm, previously included Dempsey’s name as a possible contender. Other figures in the poll were former state Senate President Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah, the former director of Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Both had lost in the state’s Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Troy Jackson has filed paperwork to explore replacing Platner. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, another gubernatorial primary participant, is considering entering the race if Platner drops out. Others interested include Nirav Shah, state Rep. Valli Geiger, and state House Speaker Ryan Fecteau.
Dempsey shared that he had been frequently asked about running but concluded his role with the Dempsey Center is where he can make the most impact. The Center, honoring his mother, who died of ovarian cancer, supports cancer patients.
Dempsey wrote, “The Dempsey Center has shown me what’s possible when people put aside differences and focus on helping one another. No one asks who you voted for before offering support. That’s the America I know.”
If Platner withdraws before Monday, the state Democratic Party committee has until July 27 to replace him.