Russell Ott

Dad to Lawson and Bryce. Farmer and Small Business Owner. Working to bring commonsense to the State Senate.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

THANK YOU!!!

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

One thing I learned this weekend: folks are paying attention.

From the Blue Palmetto Dinner to welcoming Gov. Andy Beshear at Heyward AME, I had the chance to hear from people who care deeply about where South Carolina is headed.

Record early voting turnout tells me people want a seat at the table. That's exactly how it ought to be.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Hope y’all can join us on Saturday! I appreciate Governor Beshear’s willingness to come have a conversation with people in our community. It’s my hope that over the next few years more leaders will come to SC to foster meaningful discussions on the issues that matter to all of us.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Thank you to everyone that showed up at the polls today! In spite of the rain we have seen a record-breaking number of South Carolinians casting their primary ballot on the first day of early voting.

Today the SC Senate ended Washington, DC’s push to change the rules in the middle of the game and reaffirmed our commitment to fair elections. For many of us, this was never about opposition to redistricting, it is about redistricting on terms set by South Carolinians. It is only because you made your voices heard that this outcome was possible.

I am proud of my home state every day, but especially so on a day like this when the best of South Carolina shines through.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

I want to remind everyone that early voting starts in South Carolina tomorrow morning — please make plans to vote as early as possible!

Also, the South Carolina State Senate is meeting tomorrow at 11 am in special session to continue debating the redistricting proposal being pushed from Washington, DC. The issue isn’t decided, but it’s clear at this point that by the time it is, thousands upon thousands of ballots will have been cast.

I have heard from so many of you, and I am so thankful that you’ve shared your thoughts with me. Democrats and Republicans alike are opposed to reapportionment at this time because it just doesn’t make sense. Period.

Regardless of what happens, this should serve as an important reminder why our votes matter so much. Far too many people are sitting these elections out and our state and our country can’t afford it any longer. Encourage everyone you know to go vote and stay engaged!

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Happy Memorial Day! I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend enjoying time with your families while we pay tribute to our heroes — the courageous men and women who gave their lives to ensure that we have the freedoms we enjoy today.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

As we prepare for debate on the Senate floor about the proposed redistricting of congressional maps I want share my position and encourage you to share yours with me. I believe the way this is being handled is just wrong. With voting already underway, there is no justification for forcing these changes through and invalidating the 1000s of votes that have already been cast for congressional candidates across the state.

It’s just that simple, our right to vote and the sanctity of that ballot is the foundation of our democracy and should be protected no matter what.

There are plenty of other reasons to dislike this process. we’re spending days instead of months reviewing proposed maps, Republicans who are pushing this through have made it impossible for any real public input, or even input from your own elected officials, to be truly heard, and we are working with six year old data that is no longer reflective of the population of our communities.

Today, I and my colleagues will continue our efforts to stand up for what’s right. We will stand up for fair elections and good government. But in the end you have the power to make sure this doesn’t happen in the future. No matter what the outcome of this discussion over the next week be sure to get out and vote in primaries and in November. That’s how we build a better state and a better nation.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Hope you can join us tonight at 6pm for a candidate forum I will be hosting. We have invited all of the Democratic candidates for statewide office and hope this will be a good opportunity for you to hear from as many of them as possible before you vote in the June 9th Democratic Primary. Hope to see you there!

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

The SC 250 celebrations continue! I joined the Granby Chapter NSDAR and the Godfrey Dreher Chapter SCSSAR in Cayce for the dedication of the historical marker of the Friday’s Ferry Skirmish. There’s a lot of very interesting history here in the Midlands. It was here that George Washington crossed the Congaree River to reach the new state capital in Columbia during his 1791 tour.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Excited to announce this great opportunity for folks to come and meet Democratic statewide candidates! More details to follow.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Alright Midlands! Nearly $5 million raised for Midlands Gives Day 2026 to support our local charities. Had a great time at Segra Park for the Elected Officials Challenge and appreciate the donation made by the Central Carolina Community Foundation to the Calhoun Players the non profit that I chose this year. If you’re interested in local history check out Calhoun Players special production for S.C. 250 Freedom Fighters of Calhoun County. https://t.co/py7TgrodU4

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Did y’all know we have a Calhoun County horse in the Kentucky Derby today? Ocelli is part-owned by Ashley and Travis Durr. Travis also trained Ocelli right here in St. Matthews.

At 50-1 odds, I’d love to take that bet and so would a lot of other people. How long are South Carolinians gonna wait before a handful of Senators stop blocking our ability to bet on horse races and other forms of gaming?

We work hard for our money and if we want to bet on a race or a game the government shouldn’t tell us we can’t!

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Honored to be in the company of a true American hero, Staff Sgt. Phillip Bruce Cook. After graduating from Swansea High School, he joined the US Army Air Corps and fought for our country in the skies above Europe as a B-17 ball-turret gunner during World War II. He was recently knighted by the government of France, receiving the prestigious Legion of Honor award for his bravery and service. What struck me most about Mr. Bruce was his sincere humbleness, pride, and love for his family. We all owe a debt of gratitude to him for fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

Geno don’t want the smoke!

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

@RustyMay14 No sir. It only calls for one extension. If it’s extended for the second 30, that would be it.
It would take additional legislation to do anything else.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

I’m filing legislation to suspend the state gas tax for 30 days to provide relief for families and businesses. We need to do what we can, when we can. https://t.co/9kQ3weIAyF

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

@ChrisWaddell85 No. We can can use reserve accounts to compensate for 30/60 day pause. That’s what contingency funds can and should be used for…when unforeseen situations arise that need to be addressed.

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

@RustyMay14 Questions are good!
-It does include diesel
-I’m suggesting we back fill the DOT with our reserve accounts (contingency or capital accounts)
-the resolution calls for 30 days but has an automatic extension of 30 days IF prices haven’t decreased 15% (around 50 cents)

[Russell Ott @SenRussellOtt]

@Fan98Makit75442 Correct