Russell L. Ott is an American lobbyist and politician from the state of South Carolina. A member of the Democratic Party, he is a Member representing the South Carolina State Senate District 26.
Russell Ott | |
|---|---|
| Member, South Carolina Senate District 26 | |
| Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from the 93rd district | |
| In office October 29, 2013 – December 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Harry L. Ott, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Govan Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | St. Matthews, South Carolina |
| Parent | Harry L. Ott, Jr. |
| Alma mater | Clemson University University of South Carolina |
Early life
editOtt is a native of St. Matthews, South Carolina. He graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor's degree in English. He received his Master of Public Administration from the University of South Carolina. He has served as a member and state convention delegate for the Calhoun County Democratic Party. Ott worked as a lobbyist for the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation for eight years.[1]
Political career
editSouth Carolina Senate
editOn February 13, 2024, Ott announced his candidacy for State Senate District 26 seat, held by incumbent Senator Nikki G. Setzler, who opted not to run for re-election.[2] State Senator Dick Harpootlian, whose seat was put in the same District as Setzler after re-districting, also announced for the seat.[3] [4]
The primary race between Ott and Harpootlian generated headlines. Ott was endorsed by St. Matthews Mayor Helen Carson-Peterson. Harpootlian was endorsed by Congressman Jim Clyburn and former State Representative Bakari Sellers. [5] [6] Ultimately, Ott beat Harpootlian in the primary election by 51%.[7]
Ott face Republican Jason Guerry and defeated him in the general election.[8] [9] [10] [11]
South Carolina House of Representatives
editHarry L. Ott, Jr., Russell's father, represented the 93rd district in the South Carolina House of Representatives, but resigned on June 30, 2013, to take a job with the Farm Service Agency. Russell declared his candidacy in the October 29 special election to fill the remainder of his father's term.[12] He won the election, defeating Republican Charles Stoudemire.[13] In the 2022 general election, Russell won re-election against Republican challenger Jim Ulmer.[14]
Ott served on the House Legislative Oversight and the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committees.[15] He is a former [16] Assistant Minority Leader of the House.
Personal
editOtt has two sons.[17]
References
edit- ^ "Russell Ott To Run For SC House". FITSNews. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
- ^ Parrilla-Guerrero, Mayra (February 13, 2024). "State Representative Russell Ott announces candidacy for State Senate District 26". WIS-TV. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ Brams, Sophie (January 11, 2024). "Democrat Dick Harpootlian to seek re-election to South Carolina Senate". WCBD-TV. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ Kokes, Kailee (February 13, 2024). "Ott, Harpootlian to square off for state Senate nom after Setzler's retirement". Lexington County Chronicle. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ Bustos, Joseph (May 29, 2024). "Who's a true Democrat? Harpootlian and Ott trade barbs in SC Senate primary". The State Newspaper. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ Neville, Nick (May 20, 2024). "Harpootlian, Ott face off in spirited, contentious SC Senate District 26 forum". WIS-TV. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ Thompson, Alexander (June 11, 2024). "Russell Ott ousts Murdaugh attorney Dick Harpootlian in SC Senate primary". The Post and Courier. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ Kenmore, Abraham (June 25, 2024). "SC Senate could have no GOP women after only chairwoman ousted in runoff". South Carolina Daily Gazette. States Newsroom. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
- ^ "Election Night Reporting". www.enr-scvotes.org. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ Popa, Naomi (November 5, 2024). "AP projects Democrat Russell Ott as winner for hotly contested SC Senate district seat". WISTV. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ hwade@postandcourier.com, Hannah Wade (November 5, 2024). "Russell Ott wins Senate District 26. Heather Bauer reelected to House District 75". Post and Courier. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ Beam, Adam (July 9, 2013). "COLUMBIA, SC: SC legislator's son wants to replace his father in House | Politics". The State. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
- ^ The_State (March 27, 2009). "ST. MATTHEWS, SC: Democrat tops Republican in SC House dist. 93 special election | Politics". The State. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
- ^ Bowen, Jim (October 19, 2022). ""Vote 2022: 3 Races for SC House in Lexington County Are Competitive"". The Lexington Chronicle. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
- ^ House Standing Committees". South Carolina Legislature. December 7, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ "Our Leadership". South Carolina House Democratic Caucus. 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ MARTHA ROSE BROWN, T&D Staff Writer (October 30, 2013). "Ott wins House 93 special election". The Times and Democrat.
External links
edit- Senator Russell L. Ott
- "Representative Russell L. Ott". South Carolina Legislature.
- Ott for Senate 2024 Campaign website
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