As pressure mounts on Democratic candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race, multiple outlets have floated an unlikely but globally recognized native of the Pine Tree State to replace him: actor Patrick Dempsey. An article published this week by the conservative outlet Maine Wire included Dempsey alongside Maine Gov. Janet Mills and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson among potential candidates if Platner exits.
Dempsey's Appeal and Background
Describing Dempsey as a “wild card,” Maine Wire’s Jon Fetherston said the “Grey’s Anatomy” star has been “generating discussion outside traditional political circles” and “enjoys widespread name recognition and a broadly positive public image.” “Political observers note that Dempsey could immediately attract national media attention, energize Democratic donors, and potentially appeal to women voters, independents, and those looking for a political outsider,” Fetherston added.
Dempsey grew up in Lewiston, Maine’s second-most-populous city, and owns a home in Kennebunkport. He has maintained close ties to the state through The Dempsey Center, a nonprofit advocacy group for cancer patients and others impacted by the disease. His sister, Mary, became the executive director of the Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine in 2018. Dempsey has never sought elected office and has not made any recent political endorsements, though he was spotted at an event commemorating former President Joe Biden’s visit to Auburn, Maine, in 2023.
National Media Attention
In addition to Maine Wire, Dempsey’s name has appeared in USA Today and Time as a prospective replacement. On Tuesday, The New York Times reported that Dempsey “was viewed favorably by 52 percent of voters” in a survey conducted by a Democratic firm. The actor has not publicly addressed the discourse, and his representative did not respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
Platner's Controversies
Platner, the progressive oysterman who won the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Sen. Susan Collins last month, has faced a growing list of controversies. This week, a woman he once dated accused him of sexual assault, as reported by Politico. Prominent Democrats including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer began urging Platner to step aside. Though Platner has denied any wrongdoing, his team has stopped all fundraising and social media advertising.
