Actor Patrick Dempsey announced he will not run for the U.S. Senate seat from Maine [1].
The decision ends speculation that the entertainer would enter the political arena to fill the vacancy left by Graham Platner. Dempsey's entry into the race would have brought significant celebrity visibility to the state's contest during a critical election cycle.
Dempsey, 60 [1], first addressed the rumors in an op-ed published in the Portland Press Herald on July 8, 2026 [2]. In the piece, the actor said that he had been asked several times over the previous few days if he would consider a run for the Senate [3].
"I’m flattered, but I’m not going to run," Dempsey said [4].
The actor, who is a native of Maine, expressed his continued support for his home state but clarified that his professional priorities remain in the arts. He said that while he gave the possibility real thought, his heart is in acting rather than politics [5].
Reports had previously circulated suggesting Dempsey could serve as a potential substitute for Platner [6]. However, the actor's public statements across multiple outlets, including NBC News and Variety, confirm he does not wish to pursue a political career at this time [1, 5].
"I’ve given it real thought, but my heart is in acting, not politics," Dempsey said [5].
“"I’m flattered, but I’m not going to run."”
Dempsey's refusal to enter the race removes a high-profile celebrity wildcard from the Maine Senate contest. This leaves the party seeking a replacement for Graham Platner to look toward traditional political figures or less publicized candidates, shifting the race's momentum away from a celebrity-driven campaign.
