About This Episode
From the Army to practicing law to local politics and finally spending 28 years in House of Representatives representing New York’s 2nd and 3rd Districts, Representative King shares how as a “blue-collar conservative” he was able to consistently win re-election in a district that often voted against his party in other elections. From his upbringing in a working-class family to his long career in politics; Rep. King says he still “has to pinch himself” when powerful figures like the President and Vice President call.
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About Our Guest
Former Congressman Peter T. King (R) represented New York’s 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts from 1993 to 2021.
Rep. King was a member of the Homeland Security Committee and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. He also served on the Financial Services Committee as well as the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. King, who served as Chairman of the Committee in 2005-2006 and again in 2011-2012, has been a leader in homeland security and is a strong supporter of the war against international terrorism, both at home and abroad. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, he stood up to the pressure from special interest groups and the media to hold a series of hearings on Islamic radicalization. Chairman King led the fight to continue funding to the Secure the Cities Program to protect the New York-Long Island region from nuclear dirty bomb attacks.
During his years in Congress, Rep. King attained a reputation for being well-informed and independent. Following the ravages of Superstorm Sandy, Rep. King led the successful fight in Congress to obtain $60.4 billion in emergency funding for the victims of the storm. Even Newsday has admitted that Congressman King is a “stand-up guy who isn’t shy about tangling with the powerful, even those in his own party. King has become a national figure who delivers for the region and his district.”
Rep. King is a strong supporter of law enforcement, our military and has fought hard to bring veterans’ benefits into the 21st century. Congressman King is also a strong supporter of funding to combat deadly illnesses such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. He has also received the AARP’s Legislative Leadership Award for combating elder abuse and exploitation.
Prior to serving in Congress, Pete King was elected to three terms as the Comptroller of Nassau County. Before serving in county government, Rep. King had extensive experience as a practicing attorney and civic leader. He began his political career in November 1977 by winning election to the Hempstead Town Council. Rep. King is a member of numerous civic organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Pythias, AMVETS and the Fighting 69th Veterans Corps.
Pete King was born on April 5, 1944 in Manhattan and was raised in Queens. He is a graduate of St. Francis College, Brooklyn, and the University of Notre Dame Law School. He is a lifelong resident of New York and has lived in Nassau County for almost 50 years. Rep. King and his wife, Rosemary, reside in Seaford. They have two adult children and two grandchildren. He served in the Army from 1968 – 1974.