SC Senator Dick Harpootlian to seek reelection to the upper chamber
State Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Richland, who has been in the limelight as a defense attorney for convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, announced Thursday he is running for reelection.
Harpootlian was redistricted into a district with state Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington who announced Wednesday he would not seek reelection as he completes his 48th year in the upper chamber. The district covers parts of Richland, Lexington and Calhoun counties.
Harpootlian was first elected to his seat in 2018 in a special election. He then won a full-term in 2020.
He has been an advocate for increased transparency in government spending pushing for disclosure of earmarks in the state budget.
“Since assuming this office, my primary focus has been redirecting governmental efforts to benefit my constituents by rooting out fraud, waste and misconduct,” Harpootlian said in a statement. “I’ve actively attracted employment opportunities, brokered significant economic deals benefiting the Midlands, and supported local businesses throughout the COVID-19 crisis to facilitate their operations and access necessary aid.”
