By Kailee Kokes

kailee@lexingtonchronicle.com

Turns out there will be a Democratic primary for the District 26 seat in the state Senate.

On Feb. 13, state Rep. Russell Ott (D-Calhoun) posted up outside the Statehouse to announce his candidacy for the newly redrawn district, which covers parts of Lexington, Aiken, Calhoun and Saluda counties. 

State Sen Nikki Setzler (D-Lexington), who has served in the Senate since 1977 and is the longest-tenured sitting state senator in the United States, temporarily put a hold on the idea of a primary when he decided not seek re-election, which would have triggered a Democratic race with state Sen. Dick Harpootlian (D-Richland), whose District 20 territory is merging with Setzler’s.

Now, Ott and Harpootlian will make the heavily Republican county of Lexington a Democratic battleground, as they stare each other down from two of Lexington’s neighboring counties.

News of Ott’s run was broken last week by FITSNews. Ott spokesperson Ashley Hunter told the Chronicle that at that time Ott had filed but hadn’t finished making his decision on whether or not he would actually run for the seat.

Ott’s opponent responded to FITSNews’ announcement on X (formerly Twitter):

“Welcome to the race, @reprussellott. I look forward to discussing our stark differences on issues including your radical belief that women shouldn't have the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions.”

When asked about Harpootlian’s comment, Ott said the issue of women’s freedom in healthcare has been an issue used as a wedge within the state for a long time. He added that he has been very consistent in his beliefs and would stand up his history on supporting women’s health against anyone’s.

“I understand what we're up against. I know that my opponent is gonna say all kinds of different things,” Ott offered. “But at the end of the day, we're going to bring forward a positive message that's gonna resonate with the folks of this district.”

Harpootlian didn’t respond to the Chronicle’s request for additional comment.

Ott was asked about how he will approach funding his campaign against Harpootlian, as he is up against a wealthy opponent, Ott’s response didn’t touch how much he thinks it will cost, though he said they will raise the necessary funding for the campaign.

He also said that the cost of a campaign highlights one of the biggest problems in government, claiming that the cost can lead potentially good candidates to never compete.

Ott enters this campaign with 11 years experience in the state House of Representatives serving District 93, which encompasses parts of Calhoun, Lexington and Orangeburg counties.

The candidate told those in attendance that when he heard Setzler was retiring, he felt compelled to run and serve the newly drawn district, which will cover Lexington, Richland and Calhoun counties after redistricting, 

Ott commended Setzler for the role he had within the district, stating that the incumbent has always done it the right way and has shown that working together is what will move the state forward.

Ott told the Chronicle that the new district is very interesting, saying that it has everything from cornfields to high rises. He stated that it will take somebody who is willing to get out there, knock on doors and find out what the district needs.

He said that the people within this district understand hard work, adding that that is all he has ever known after being taught the value of hard work by family.

“I've learned so much from those Calhoun County fields,” he said. “Seeds don't become plants overnight, patience. Some things are out of our control, acceptance. Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today, initiative. And that each day we were able to wake up and try again as a blessing, gratefulness. “

Ott emphasized he wants to ensure that the rural parts of the state get what they deserve and are not left behind in terms of infrastructure.

Other priorities Ott shared included fostering a government that works for the people, maintaining a strong economy with well-paying jobs, making streets safer, supporting public education and affordable healthcare, working for a clean environment, and fixing roads and infrastructure.

Ott also touched on doing what he can to help alleviate the growing cost of living for South Carolinaians, suggesting implementing government reform and increasing transparency as things that could help there.

The candidate's campaign is centered around the idea of working for real people, with signs saying “He’s one of us.” Ott told those in attendance that the people of the district deserve a senator that understands and values them, adding that he is an advocate for small businesses and the middle class.

“A lot of times the people that are in that building cast votes while forgetting that those votes actually impact lives of real people,” He said, pointing to the Statehouse. “They're more concerned about the cameras and the glory, and what that vote means for them."