| Russell Ott was born and raised in St. Matthews, the small town his family has called home for generations. The son of a high school teacher, Russell went to public schools before going to Clemson University. After graduating, he came back to the Midlands to earn a Masters degree from the University of South Carolina.
His passion for public service led him to advocate on behalf of farmers with the South Carolina Farm Bureau and serve as the town administrator for Elloree, North, and Neeses. He now manages the Ott family farm in Calhoun County.
In 2013, Russell was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. He took the lessons he learned growing up on the farm - hard work, problem-solving, never giving up - to the State House where he's been a champion for economic growth, rebuilding infrastructure, and holding government accountable.
Russell is the proud dad of two sons, Lawson and Bryce. As a man of faith, Russell is a member of Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church and he loves to visit churches throughout the district. |