Nicole Gustafson came to Washington to work on the legislative issue closest to her heart — preventing abortion — but her job as the senior policy adviser and chief legislative counsel for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) now puts her at the heart of many key issues.

Gustafson starting working for Cantor in 2009 and became the liaison between his office and conservative groups, a connection that is still a staple of her work now that she helps Cantor decide what goes to the floor for debate and helps set his legislative priorities.