Ott worked as a lobbyist for the South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation for eight years.
[2] State Senator Dick Harpootlian, whose home was put in the same District as Setzler after re-districting, also announced for the seat.
[8][9][10][11] Ott serves on the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Veterans' Services; Fish, Game and Forestry, Judiciary and Rules committees.
Russell declared his candidacy in the October 29 special election to fill the remainder of his father's term.
[15] Ott served on the House Legislative Oversight and the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committees.