Russell Ott

Russell L. Ott is an American lobbyist and politician from the state of South Carolina. A member of the Democratic Party, he is the Representative for the 93rd district of the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Early life
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.

Political career
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 serves on the House Legislative Oversight and the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committees. He is a former Assistant Minority Leader of the House.

On February 13, 2024, Ott announced his candidacy for State Senate District 26 seat, currently held by incumbent Senator Nikki G. Setzler, who is not running for re-election. State Senator Dick Harpootlian, whose seat 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 will face Republican Jason Guerry in the general election.

Personal
Ott has two sons.