Former Pa. Senate Republican leader ‘Chip’ Brightbill dies at 83

Former Pa. Senate Republican Leader ‘Chip’ Brightbill Dies at 83

David “Chip” Brightbill, former state Senate Majority Leader who served more than twenty years in Pennsylvania’s Legislature, passed away on Thursday at the age of 83. A native of Lebanon County, Brightbill began his Senate service in 1983 and rose through several leadership roles including caucus secretary and whip. In 2000, Senate Republicans elected him as their majority leader.

His longtime chief of staff, Erik Arneson, now with the Senate Republican caucus, described Brightbill as both approachable and disciplined.

“He expected a lot from his staff,” Arneson said. “And that's what he got.”

Arneson recalled one of his earliest interactions with Brightbill, before joining his team. During his time as a young reporter for the Lebanon Daily News, Arneson received a call from Brightbill offering direct feedback on an article he had written.

“That was the first of many lessons on legislative procedure,” Arneson said.

Brightbill represented the 48th Senate District, which initially encompassed Lebanon and parts of Berks and Lehigh counties. After legislative redistricting in 2002, the district expanded to include parts of Chester, Dauphin, and Lancaster counties along with Lebanon. As GOP majority leader, Brightbill frequently engaged in late-night negotiations with fellow caucus leaders over key proposals.

He is survived by his wife, Lebanon County Common Pleas Court Judge Donna Long-Brightbill, and their five sons.

Author’s Summary

David “Chip” Brightbill, longtime Pennsylvania Senate leader known for his fairness and wit, shaped state politics for over two decades before his passing at 83.

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LancasterOnline LancasterOnline — 2025-11-07

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