Patrick Dempsey, best known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on "Grey's Anatomy," has definitively ruled out a run for the U.S. Senate in Maine, dashing hopes among some Democrats for a "Sen. McDreamy." In an op-ed published Wednesday in Maine's Portland Press Herald titled "Why I'm not running for U.S. Senate," Dempsey acknowledged giving "real thought" to the prospect but ultimately decided against it.
Dempsey's Decision and Rationale
"After a lot of thought, I realized the answer is no," Dempsey 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." He also offered advice to those who do choose to run: "Remember that public office is a privilege not a career path and that leadership isn't measured by how loudly you speak or how often you're on television. It's measured by whether people's lives are better because you served."
Background and Speculation
A Maine native who owns a home in Kennebunkport, Dempsey had been floated as a potential replacement for former Democratic candidate Graham Platner, who exited the Senate race Wednesday after a series of controversies, including an allegation of sexual assault. Conservative outlet Maine Wire touted Dempsey as a "wild card" candidate, noting the actor "could immediately attract national media attention, energize Democratic donors, and potentially appeal to women voters, independents, and those looking for a political outsider." National outlets like Time and USA Today listed Dempsey's name alongside established politicians like Maine Governor Janet Mills in articles about potential replacements. The New York Times cited a poll showing Dempsey "viewed favorably by 52 percent of voters."
Political Involvement and Party Response
Dempsey does not appear to have made any public political endorsements in recent years, though he was spotted in the crowd at then-President Joe Biden's 2023 speech in Auburn, Maine. Maine's Democratic Party has said it will select a candidate to replace Platner through a first-of-its-kind nominating convention before a July 27 deadline set by state law. The implosion of Platner's campaign has left many Democrats feeling disheartened. A progressive oysterman and Marine Corps veteran, Platner enjoyed immense popularity, particularly among young voters, and his prospective victory in the midterms this fall was seen as critical to upsetting the Republican Senate majority and curbing President Donald Trump's power during his final two years in office.
