| Russell Ott | |
| State House: | South Carolina |
| District: | 93rd |
| Term Start: | October 29, 2013 |
| Predecessor: | Harry L. Ott, Jr. |
| Birth Place: | St. Matthews, South Carolina |
| Alma Mater: | Clemson University University of South Carolina |
| Parents: | Harry L. Ott, Jr. |
| Term End: | December 2024 |
| Office: | Member, South Carolina Senate District 26 |
| Successor: | Jerry Govan Jr. |
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.
Ott 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]
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.[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]