Patrick Dempsey finds it 'flattering' he's been asked to run for a seat in the US Senate

Patrick Dempsey finds it "flattering" he's been asked to run for a seat in the US Senate.

The Grey's Anatomy star cares "deeply" about his home state of Maine and its residents and while he has given "real thought" to questions of him moving into a political career, he's ultimtely decided against it for now.

In an op-ed for the Portland Press Herald, 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?

“It’s flattering, and I don’t take it lightly. 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.

"I gave it real thought.

"Not because I was looking for a new career, but because I asked myself an honest question: Could I make a meaningful difference?"

Questioning himself led to the 62-year-old actor thinking about the kind of leadership his state needs.

He mused: "That question led me to another one I think matters even more. What kind of leadership are we really looking for?"

“I want someone who leads with empathy. Someone who listens before speaking, who has the courage to work with people they disagree with and who understands that public office isn’t about power. It’s about service.

"Most of all, I want integrity. That may sound idealistic today, but it shouldn’t."

After highlighting the importance of community, healthcare and education, Patrick ultimately ruled himself out of running.

He wrote: “As I reflected on all of this, I kept coming back to one question: Do I truly want to serve in Congress?

“After a lot of thought, I realised the answer is no. Not because public service isn’t honourable — it absolutely is. But because I believe I can contribute more effectively through the life I’ve already built."