There is a certain Hollywood A-List actor from Maine whom Democrats there would love to see replace the very flawed and now former U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner.
But it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen.
Actor Patrick Dempsey, best known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, announced Wednesday that he will not seek Maine’s U.S. Senate seat against incumbent moderate GOP Sen. Susan Collins, ending speculation that he could enter the race following calls for Platner to withdraw after more serious sexual assault allegations surfaced.
In an op-ed titled “Why I’m Not Running for U.S. Senate,” published Wednesday in the Portland Press Herald, the 60-year-old Maine native reflected on whether he had considered running for statewide office and explained why he ultimately decided against launching a campaign.
Dempsey wrote that, over the past several days, he had been asked repeatedly whether he would consider running for the seat, prompting him to publicly address the speculation surrounding a potential campaign.
However, his response was unequivocal: No.
“After a lot of thought, I realized the answer is no. Not because public service isn’t honorable — it absolutely is,” Dempsey wrote.
“But because I believe I can contribute more effectively through the life I’ve already built,” he added.
Beyond his acting career and his portrayal of “Dr. McDreamy,” the Grey’s Anatomy star founded the Dempsey Center, a nonprofit organization in Maine that provides free cancer support services, including counseling, education and wellness programs, to cancer patients and their families.
Platner announced Wednesday that he intends to withdraw from the race after a woman publicly accused him of essentially raping her in 2021, a development that prompted a break with many of his closest political allies.
His decision reshapes one of the country’s most closely watched Senate contests ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats view Maine’s Senate seat, currently held by five-term Collins, as a key pickup opportunity in their effort to regain control of the Senate.
Patrick Dempsey says he gave “real thought” to running for Senate in Maine:
“Over the past several days, I’ve been asked a question more than once: Would you ever run for the United States Senate? It’s flattering, and I don’t take it lightly. I love my home state of Maine. I… pic.twitter.com/F6AiuzlztS
— Variety (@Variety) July 9, 2026
With fewer than four months until Election Day, state Democrats must now select a new nominee to challenge Collins.
Platner, an oysterman and military veteran, announced Wednesday that he is “suspending campaign operations” after support for his candidacy rapidly eroded and several national Democratic fundraisers reportedly threatened to redirect financial backing to other efforts.
“We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me,” Platner said.
“I intend to file my paperwork to withdraw,” he continued.
“The process needs to assure that what comes next is reflective of the Mainers who, on June 9, turned out and showed that they are desperate for a different kind of politics,” the statement continued.
In a video statement released Wednesday, Platner said his decision to withdraw from the race “most certainly is not” an admission of guilt, but instead reflected the political reality confronting his campaign.
He has denied allegations made by Jenny Racicot, a former girlfriend, who told Politico that Platner sexually assaulted her in 2021 while he was heavily intoxicated.
Platner’s withdrawal represents a significant setback for Maine Democrats, who had hoped his working-class background, military service and left-wing socialist platform would help broaden the party’s appeal among voters who have increasingly supported President Donald Trump in recent elections.
His departure also complicates the party’s effort to compete for control of the Senate by forcing Democrats to replace their nominee in one of the cycle’s most closely watched races.
On Wednesday evening, members of the Maine Democratic Party voted to convene a nominating convention to choose a replacement candidate, CNBC reported.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
