Russell Ott Press Release: On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, lifelong South Carolinian and  State Representative, Russell Ott, will announce his candidacy for  State Senate District 26.  

The district includes portions of Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland Counties. It is currently held by longtime State Senator Nikki Setzler, who announced his retirement in January after serving for 47 years. 

The announcement will take place at noon at the South Carolina Statehouse, near the Palmetto Regiment Monument.

Russell Ott was born and raised in St. Matthews, South Carolina. After graduating from Clemson University and earning his master’s degree at the University of South Carolina, he returned to work on his family farm with his brother and uncle. Proud father of two sons, Lawson and Bryce, Ott is a member of Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church. Ott also refined his knowledge of government operations as the Town Administrator for the Towns of Elloree, North and Neeses. He was first elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 2013.