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South Carolina Senate District 26

Election InformationThe 2024 Party Primary Elections will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Your address indicates you live in the district for this race. You may vote in either the Republican or the Democratic primary.To find your election day polling location, go to:https://vrems.scvotes.sc.gov/Voter/Login?PageMode=PollingPlaceOr you can vote early during a two-week early voting period at your County Voter Registration and Elections Office and other early voting locations from May 28 until June 7 except weekends. See:https://www.scvotes.gov/early-votingOr you may be eligible to vote absentee by mail. For details on eligibility and how to submit your request, see:https://www.scvotes.gov/absentee-votingPosition Description - SC State SenateOne of two legislative chambers in the General Assembly, the Senate is composed of 46 members, one from each of the state’s single-member Senate districts, elected to 4-year terms in November of even-numbered years. Members must be citizens of the United States, South Carolina, and their district and be 25 years old. State senators create and amend state laws, pass an annual state budget, and redraw district lines every 10 years.

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  • Candidate picture

    Dick Harpootlian
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Russell Ott
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

1. What is your stance on Medicaid expansion?

2. How will you work to expand job opportunities for your constituents?

3. How should South Carolina respond to rising sea levels?

4. Who should determine what books are available in school libraries?

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Campaign Phone 803-944-0045
Campaign Email ottforsenate@gmail.com
Education Graduate Degree
Qualifications Farmer, Ag Consultant, Business, 11 years in the House of Representatives
Campaign Website http://OttforSenate.com
X (Twitter) @reprussellott
I have fully supported and advocated for Medicaid expansion for the last decade. Just this year I offered amendments for expansion. Too many working adults in SC are without coverage and this could be alleviated by expanding medicaid like many other States across the US.
As a father of two teenagers, I'm motivated to ensure that our next generation has the opportunity to have high paying employment opportunities when they finish school. We must identify ways to attract business and industry to all corners of our State, including our rural areas. Childcare and transportation continue to be major barriers for folks all across our state and we must make sure that state agencies efficiently work with businesses that need employees and constituents looking for work. Our technical schools will always play a vital role in training our workforce and we must give them the resources to be successful. Most importantly, improving public education in our state is the key that will unlock employment prosperity.
I have an overall A score on environmental issues in SC. Addressing environmental issues require comprehensive, long term strategies that follows science bases recommendations.
Public Schools are receiving more scrutiny than ever before. Teachers and librarians often find themselves in the crosshairs of national organizations looking to capitalize off of criticism and condemnation. School Boards, Administrators and parents must work together with clear lines of communication to make sure that our students have access to age appropriate material that will foster their education and challenge them to excel in their studies.