24. Peter King

Peter King, the outspoken and unapologetic Republican Congressman, is perhaps Long Island’s most visible elected official. King, a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and chairman of the House Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, is a leading voice on Capitol Hill when it comes to national security issues, of which there are many. He’s recently come out strongly against the Obama administration’s plan to integrate up to 10,000 Syrian refugees into American society, arguing that the country lacks the capabilities to vet every single person seeking refugee status, and he also disagrees with the Iran nuclear deal reached between the United States and five other world powers. King has built a base of supporters who appreciate his bravado. The nation’s defense isn’t the only issue that gnaws at him. King continues to be a fierce supporter of the hundreds of first responders whose health have deteriorated as a result of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.