Russell L. Ott is a Democratic State Senator representing District 26 in South Carolina, which includes Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland Counties. A lifelong resident of South Carolina, born on March 26 in St. Matthews and raised in the Center Hill community of Calhoun County, he is a businessman and farmer who works on the family farm growing corn, cotton, and soybeans alongside his father, uncle, and brother. He is the son of Harry L. Jr. and Linda Fleming Ott, husband to a spouse , and father to two sons, Lawson Legare and Bryce Jameson. A member of Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, Ott was elected in a special election on October 29, 2013, to complete the unexpired term of his father, Harry L. Ott Jr., after his resignation. Notable positions include service on key Senate committees: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Veterans' Services, Fish, Game and Forestry, Judiciary, and Rules.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. from Clemson University ; M.P.A. from University of South Carolina .
• Political Experience: Former Town Administrator for the towns of Elloree, North, and Neeses; South Carolina Farm Bureau member ; Elected to South Carolina State Senate in 2013 and continues to serve District 26, focusing on making government work for constituents in this diverse area.