Actor Patrick Dempsey says he is not running for the U.S. Senate in Maine, ending speculation that he could replace Democratic nominee Graham Platner after the campaign’s turmoil and sexual assault allegations. Multiple outlets report that Dempsey, a Maine native, addressed the question of a potential Senate bid repeatedly after the controversy, including through a statement and an op-ed published in the Portland Press Herald. In those remarks, he says he gave the idea “real thought,” but ultimately decided against seeking office, saying he preferred to leave the job to someone more qualified. Dempsey’s comments come as Democrats nationally and in Maine weigh replacement options for the Senate ballot while Platner faces calls to drop out. PBS NewsHour and other coverage describe Dempsey’s statements as a direct response to rumors that he might be considered among potential candidates. Reports also note that Dempsey characterizes his primary public-facing work as charitable efforts rather than electoral politics. Overall, sources agree that Dempsey is ruling himself out of the Maine Senate race.