Democrats Eye Patrick Dempsey for Maine Senate Race Before July 13 Platner Deadline
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 8
Democrats Eye Patrick Dempsey for Maine Senate Race Before July 13 Platner Deadline
3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 8
Summary
Patrick Dempsey has emerged as one of about a dozen names Democrats are weighing to replace Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner in a last-minute scramble.
July 13 is the deadline for Platner to step aside and let Democrats name a replacement, with pressure rising after former girlfriend Jenny Racicot accused him of sexual assault.
Platner has not said whether he will stay on the ballot, but in a July 6 social media video he said he was taking time to reflect on the best path forward.
Dempsey, the Maine-born 'Grey's Anatomy' actor known as 'McDreamy,' owns a home in Kennebunkport that could make him eligible to run, though he has shown no public interest.
The unusual search underscores Democratic anxiety about challenging Republican Sen. Susan Collins and has drawn comparisons to the rapid candidate reset after Joe Biden left the 2024 race.