Russell was born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario. He moved to Ottawa to attend Carleton University, where he earned a degree in Political Science. During his time at Carleton, he was an active volunteer with federal and provincial riding associations, on Parliament Hill, and in the office of former Prime Minister Joe Clark. After graduating, he spent several years in South Korea teaching English as a second language. Upon returning to Canada, he remained active in politics, both in the Niagara region and in London West, where he settled after marrying his longtime friend Janice.