Patrick Dempsey Won't Run for U.S. Senate: 'I Gave It Real Thought'

Patrick Dempsey has announced that he will not run for the U.S. Senate in Maine, despite giving the idea "real thought." In an op-ed published in the Portland Press Herald on July 8, the "Grey's Anatomy" alum explained that while he loves his home state and cares deeply about its people, he realized after much consideration that he does not truly want to serve in Congress. Dempsey wrote that he believes he can contribute more effectively through the life he has already built. Dempsey, who was born and raised in Maine, wrote that he wants a candidate who leads with empathy, listens before speaking, and has the courage to work with people they disagree with. He emphasized that public office is "a privilege not a career path" and that leadership is measured by whether people's lives are better because you served. Despite not running for office, Dempsey said he has not lost faith in the United States, citing the generosity and goodness he has seen in communities.