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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Dick Harpootlian
(Dem)
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Russell Ott
(Dem)
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?
Campaign Phone
(720)415-9754
Campaign Email
info@harpootlianforsenate.com
Education
B.A. Clemson University, J.D. USC School of Law
Qualifications
American attorney and politician serving as a member of the South Carolina Senate from the 20th district, soon the redistricted 26th district. He served as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2013. He also previously served as solicitor (district attorney) for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina from 1991 until 1995.
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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
I have fully supported and advocated for Medicaid expansion for the last decade. Just this year I offered amendments to expand Medicaid. Too many working adults in South Carolina are without coverage and this could be alleviated by expanding Medicaid like many other states across the United States.
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 South Carolina. Addressing environmental issues require comprehensive, long-term strategies that follow science-based recommendations. As rising sea levels threaten our coast, we must support efforts to make our communities more resilient.
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.
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