Prior to his election to the State Assembly, Bendett was the founder and owner of the Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe in Sand Lake, founding the business in 1998 as a small kiosk and seeing success as an online marketplace. He is also the CEO of the Bendett Investment Group, a real estate development firm.[3][1]
Bendett then ran unopposed to the 107th district which saw its prior assemblyman, Jake Ashby (R) get redistricted to the 43rd District. Due to the Democrats not running a candidate, Bendett won with 97.5% of the vote after also securing the Conservative nomination.[1] Bendett would be sworn in on January 2, 2023, at the Rensselaer County Courthouse.[4][5]
Bendett has supported increasing the tax credit that emergency medical services volunteers receive in an effort to increase their numbers and retention.[6] Bendett has also co-sponsored the Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Bill which would see the legalization of possession of psilocybin, ibogaine, and DMT in the state of New York.[7] Bendett has supported the expansion of vocational education, including vocational classes in public high-schools.[8] Bendett joined the calls for resignation of Jason Schofield, the former Rensselaer County Republican elections board commissioner who plead guilty to federal charges of fraudulently obtaining and filing absentee ballots.[9]
Personal life
Scott has a son who is an Eagle Scout, Samuel Bendett.[1]