South Carolina Senate On 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. State Senator
Dick Harpootlian, whose home was put in the same District as Setzler after re-districting, also announced for the seat. 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. Ultimately, Ott beat Harpootlian in the primary election by 51%. Ott face Republican Jason Guerry and defeated him in the general election. Upon taking office, Ott became the only elected Democrat representing a significant portion of heavily Republican
Lexington County above the county level. His predecessor, Setzler, had been the only elected Democrat above the county level for much of his tenure. Ott serves on the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Veterans' Services; Fish, Game and Forestry, Judiciary and Rules committees.
South Carolina House of Representatives Harry 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. He won the election, defeating
Republican Charles Stoudemire. In the 2022 general election, Russell won re-election against Republican challenger Jim Ulmer. Ott served on the House Legislative Oversight and the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committees. He is a former Assistant Minority Leader of the House. == Personal ==