Former Pa. Senate Republican Leader ‘Chip’ Brightbill Dies at 83
David “Chip” Brightbill, a long-serving Pennsylvania state Senate Majority Leader, passed away on Thursday at the age of 83. Representing parts of south-central Pennsylvania for over twenty years, Brightbill was a prominent figure in the Legislature.
Career and Leadership
Brightbill, from Lebanon County, began his Senate service in 1983. Throughout his tenure, he held several leadership roles, including caucus secretary and whip. In 2000, he was elected majority leader by Senate Republicans.
Memories and Personal Traits
“He expected a lot from his staff,” said his former chief of staff Erik Arneson, who noted Brightbill “was easy to make laugh, but knew when to be serious.”
Arneson, who worked with Brightbill for about ten years, recalled one early memory from before joining his staff. As a young reporter, Arneson received a call from Brightbill criticizing an article he had written, marking “the first of many lessons on legislative procedure.”
District and Legacy
Brightbill represented the 48th Senate District. Initially, it covered Lebanon and parts of Berks and Lehigh counties. A redistricting in 2002 expanded it to include Lebanon and areas of Berks, Chester, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties.
As Senate GOP leader, Brightbill often spent late nights negotiating legislative proposals with other caucus leaders.
Family
He is survived by his wife, Donna Long-Brightbill, a Lebanon County Common Pleas Court Judge, and their five sons.
Author's summary: David “Chip” Brightbill was a respected Pennsylvania Senate leader known for his dedication, leadership, and influence on legislative processes over two decades.