Political Upset in District 26: Ott Defeats Harpootlian

Ott Wins Amid Lower Voter Turnout

Columbia, SC – Representative Russell Ott succeeded over Senator Dick Harpootlian in a surprising upset in District 26. According to rough estimates given by the SC Election Commission, Ott, who served his hometown of Calhoun County, earned slightly more than half of the votes—51%—in comparison to Harpootlian’s close 49%. A formerly strong stronghold, District 26 saw Harpootlian serving for six consecutive years.

Conceding the Battle but Winning the War

This morning, while speaking to the media outside his law office on Laurel Street located in downtown Columbia, Harpootlian conceded the race to Ott. Harpootlian confirmed reaching out to Ott himself, stating, “I spoke with Russell Ott this morning, we had a great conversation. I indicated to him I was conceding the race, and I look forward to supporting him in November.”

Ott’s Response

In response to Harpootlian’s concession, Ott affirmed that the District 26 race was larger than any single candidate, emphasizing that it was about the people. “This race was never about any individual. It was about the people of District 26. Now we’re going to get back to work to win in November,” says Ott.

Harpootlian’s Analysis

Harpootlian expressed his thoughts that Ott’s victory resulted from decreased voter turnout at a statewide level, combined with a significant turnout in Calhoun County where Ott calls home. “The last senator from Calhoun County was Marion Gressette who served until 1984. I think the folks from Calhoun County want a senator. They certainly expressed that with their votes,” says Harpootlian.

Challenges Ahead For Ott

Emphasizing that Ott will have to prove himself to the people of Richland and Lexington counties where Harpootlian had a stronger foothold, the former Senator highlighted how Ott has previously voiced opposition to the Heartbeat Bill, and voted against the conference committee on guns. He called Ott to “come in and sell his position as a Democrat to Democrats.”

Ott’s Gratitude and Mission

Simultaneously appreciating his supporters while acknowledging the task at hand to win over areas that swung towards Harpootlian, Ott stated, “I especially want to thank my friends and neighbors in Calhoun and lower Lexington for their strong support.” Highlighting his commitment to earning their trust, he further added, “Those are the folks who know me best — and I’ll work hard to earn that same level of trust with everyone in Richland and Lexington counties.”

In Defense of the Democratic Process

Harpootlian batted away any criticisms of the election system stating, “We went through a process yesterday. I lost. Ok? The process worked. I’m not accusing anyone of stealing anything, I’m not having a temper tantrum. I’m not expressing some doubt in our system.” In response to whether his legal representation of Alex Murdaugh influenced voter sentiment, Harpootlian asserted, “I am a lawyer. I’ve been a prosecutor, I’ve been a defense lawyer, and if that played a factor in anybody’s decisions yesterday, so be it. I mean, that’s who I am. I haven’t changed in 50 years and I’m not going to start changing now.”

The Road Ahead

Harpootlian expressed excitement at the prospect of spending more time with his family, and will continue to support the community and voice out on significant matters. Ott stands ready to meet the residents of Richland and Lexington counties, and to prove himself as their representative.

The official tally by the SC Election Commission showed Ott receiving a significant majority— almost 84%— of the vote in his home county of Calhoun. The two counties, Calhoun and Lexington, were instrumental in Ott’s victory, showing an impressive level of support for their representative within his home territories.