Patrick Dempsey recently addressed growing rumors about a potential political future. The Grey’s Anatomy star revealed he seriously considered running for the U.S. Senate before deciding against it.

Grey’s Anatomy’s Patrick Dempsey said he will not enter Maine’s Senate race

Patrick Dempsey recently shared an op-ed with The Portland Press Herald. The actor admitted he seriously considered running for the Senate, and he said the idea came after recent developments in the campaign of Democratic candidate Graham Platner, who dropped out of the race after facing sexual assault allegations and a loss of support from party leadership.

Dempsey mentioned that many people subsequently asked if he would run. He wrote, “Over the past several days, I’ve been asked a question more than once: Would you ever run for the United States Senate?”

The actor admitted he gave the idea serious thought. “It’s flattering, and I don’t take it lightly.” Dempsey also explained why the question mattered personally. “I love my home state of Maine. I care deeply about the people who live there and, like so many Americans, I’m concerned about the direction our country is heading.”

However, Dempsey added that, “After a lot of thought, I realized the answer is no.” The actor made it clear that he greatly respects public service. He wrote, “Not because public service isn’t honorable; it absolutely is.”

He then added, “But because I believe I can contribute more effectively through the life I’ve already built.” Dempsey called this an important moment for Maine. He hopes fresh leadership steps forward soon.

After suspending his campaign, Graham Platner has also urged party leaders to choose someone representing Maine voters, saying that “the next Democratic senator for Maine needs to belong to the people of Maine. They need to reflect the will and the values of the people of this state” (via AP News).