Patrick Dempsey, former 'Grey's Anatomy' star and Lewiston native, has rejected calls to run as an emergency U.S.Senate candidate in Maine.

In an op-ed published in the Portland Press Herald, Dempsey explained that he chose to focus on his nonprofit work through the Dempsey Center rather than pursue political office.

The decision comes amid turmoil in the Maine Senate race, where Democrat Graham Platner faces allegations of sexual assault from a former girlfriend, Jenny Racicot.Platner, who won the June Democratic primary, has denied the accusations as 'categorically false' and called it a coordinated smear campaign.

The controversy has prompted high-profile Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders to urge Platner to step aside, allowing the party to field a stronger challenger against Republican Senator Susan Collins.Under Maine law, Platner must withdraw by July 13 for Democrats to nominate a replacement by July 27.

Dempsey's op-ed emphasized his belief that public service should be a privilege, not a career path, and called for leaders who prioritize truth and accountability.His decision highlights the complex dynamics of political races where personal scandals can upend electoral strategies.