Dick Harpootlian, a longtime fixture in the South Carolina Democratic Party and former lawyer for convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, was defeated in a primary for state senator on Tuesday night. Harpootlian, who served as a Democrat in the South Carolina state Senate since 2018, was defeated by primary opponent Russell Ott in a narrow race, with Ott bringing in 51% of the vote compared to Harpootlian’s 49%. Ott is expected to avoid an automatic recount, although Harpootlian could pay for one. He expressed gratitude to his supporters for their hard work in securing the victory.
Harpootlian, who has served as chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 2011 to 2013, delivered a press conference on Wednesday morning conceding to Ott and congratulating him on his victory. The 75-year-old became a national figure in recent years after representing attorney Alex Murdaugh in a double murder trial where Murdaugh was eventually convicted of killing his wife and son. Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison in 2023. Harpootlian, who is married to Jamie Harpootlian, a Biden-appointed ambassador to Slovenia, has maintained his belief in Murdaugh’s innocence despite the conviction.
In 2018, an ad narrated by now-President Biden endorsing Harpootlian as his “good friend” and touting him as a proven fighter for South Carolina was released during Harpootlian’s campaign. Harpootlian has expressed his commitment to vigorously representing his clients, even those who are guilty, and his track record has shown success in getting acquittals for some. Ott publicly criticized Harpootlian for agreeing to defend Murdaugh, calling into question his judgment in choosing to represent the disgraced lawyer. Harpootlian’s competition for the state senator seat was intensified by Ott’s criticisms and the controversy surrounding his defense of Murdaugh.
Ott’s victory in the primary signals a shift in the political landscape of South Carolina, as Harpootlian’s defeat after years of service as a Democrat in the state Senate reflects changing voter preferences. Ott’s strategy of engaging with constituents and working hard to secure votes paid off, leading to his successful campaign against the incumbent Harpootlian. The close race between Ott and Harpootlian underscores the competitiveness of the primary and the importance of voter engagement and outreach in securing victory in elections.
Overall, Harpootlian’s defeat in the primary for state senator highlights the influence of past legal cases and political controversies on his political career. Despite his long tenure as a prominent figure in the South Carolina Democratic Party, his association with Alex Murdaugh and the fallout from that case seems to have played a role in his loss to Russell Ott. Ott’s victory and campaign strategy demonstrate the power of grassroots efforts and direct engagement with voters in securing political success, signaling a changing political landscape in South Carolina.
