44. DuWayne Gregory

As leader of the Democratic-run legislative body that regularly proves to be a trailblazer by passing laws that the state, and sometimes Congress, emulates, Gregory has been the face of positive change for the past two years. In a recent example, the FDA issued warnings to powdered caffeine manufacturers after the county banned the sale of such products to minors. The county legislature also recently passed a bill regulating the use of drones—an issue that is also currently being debated statewide and nationally. Testament to his popularity, Gregory sailed to re-election last year without a Republican challenger, and announced this summer his intention to try and unseat longtime U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) next year. Could this local legislature leader soon increase his power? Stay tuned.