Murdaugh’s lawyer loses Democratic primary in South Carolina race

Dick Harpootlian, a prominent figure in the South Carolina Democratic Party and the former attorney for convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, experienced a surprising defeat in a primary for state senator on Tuesday night. Harpootlian, who has been a Democrat in the South Carolina state Senate since 2018, was narrowly defeated by primary opponent Russell Ott, a state representative from South Carolina’s 93rd district. Ott secured 51% of the vote, while Harpootlian received 49%, and Ott is expected to avoid an automatic recount, although Harpootlian could choose to pay for one.

Following his victory, Ott expressed gratitude to his supporters on election night, stating, “We just did something a lot of people didn’t think we were going to be able to do. We talked to everyone, and I think that’s what the razor-thin difference in this race was, because we put in the hard work.”

Harpootlian, who previously served as the chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party from 2011 to 2013, held a press conference the following morning to announce his concession to Ott and congratulate him on his win. The 75-year-old attorney gained national attention in recent years for representing Alex Murdaugh in a high-profile double murder trial, where Murdaugh was ultimately convicted of killing his wife and son and sentenced to life in prison in 2023.

Despite the outcome of the trial, Harpootlian maintains his belief in Murdaugh’s innocence, a stance that has garnered attention and controversy. In a campaign ad released in 2018, then-President Biden praised Harpootlian as a “fighter” and a dedicated advocate for South Carolina, emphasizing their longstanding friendship and mutual respect.

Reflecting on his legal career, Harpootlian admitted to representing guilty clients in the past but asserted that he had never had an innocent client convicted, except for Murdaugh, in his five-decade-long tenure as an attorney. His unwavering defense of Murdaugh has sparked debate and criticism from those who question his judgment and ethical standards.

Ott, Harpootlian’s primary opponent, publicly criticized the veteran attorney for choosing to defend Murdaugh despite the grave nature of the charges against him. Ott’s victory in the primary marked a significant moment in South Carolina politics, signaling a potential shift in leadership and priorities within the Democratic Party.

The contentious race between Harpootlian and Ott highlighted broader issues of accountability, integrity, and political representation in the state. While Harpootlian’s defeat may have come as a surprise to some, it underscores the evolving landscape of South Carolina politics and the diverse perspectives within the Democratic Party.

As Russell Ott prepares to assume his new role as a state senator, the challenges and responsibilities ahead are substantial. His victory represents not only a personal triumph but also a reflection of the values and aspirations of the constituents he will serve in the 93rd district.

For Dick Harpootlian, the future may hold new opportunities for reflection and growth, both personally and professionally. His legacy as a dedicated advocate for South Carolina and a fierce defender of his clients will endure, even as he navigates the complexities of his defeat in the primary election.

As the political landscape in South Carolina continues to evolve, the story of Dick Harpootlian and Russell Ott serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of integrity, accountability, and the pursuit of justice in our democratic system.