Chloe PierceChloe Pierce

Perhaps the closest general election Assembly contest outside New York City sees Democrat Chloe Pierce seeking a second shot against incumbent Republican Assembly member Scott Bendett in this Capital Region district. In 2024, Bendett won by just under 6 points—a narrow reelection after he first won office in 2022. This likely bluer year gives Pierce, a government affairs advocate at an Albany lobbying firm, a good chance to jump the gap from lobbyist to lawmaker. We hope she succeeds. In spite of the scale of the challenges New York faces, Assembly Member Bendett has described himself as skeptical of the need for lawmaking: "Legislatively, I find I don't really know how much we need new laws." His website attacks Democrats’ “radical climate agenda,” though in fact that agenda addresses the scale of the challenge of climate change—perhaps not radically enough. He also opposes congestion pricing.

Chloe Pierce is a lifelong Capital Region resident and results-driven advocate who knows how to make government work better for everyday New Yorkers. She has helped advance Healthy School Meals for All, expand health care access, and support local farmers. Chloe is running for the New York State Assembly to tackle the affordability crisis, bring practical, people-first leadership to Albany, and usher in a new generation of leadership ready to protect our democracy when it matters most.