At the time of his first campaign for the New York State Assembly, Prescott chaired the Queens chapter of the Young Republicans.
Prescott lost to John F. Duane in 1982,[2] and regained his seat in a 1984 rematch.
[5][6] In the 1990 general election, Prescott defeated James J. Wrynn.
Prescott faced another incumbent, Morton C. Hillman of the 26th district in 1992, and won.
[7] He won another term as assemblyman from the 26th district against William A. Viscovich in 1994,[8][9] then successively lost two subsequent elections, to Ann-Margaret Carrozza in 1996 and 1998.