Candidate for
State Senator; Pennsylvania State Senate; District 42; Democratic Party

A relentless fighter for working families and underprivileged children, Wayne Fontana was first elected to the State Senate in a special election in May 2005. He was re-elected to represent the 42nd Senatorial District in 2006 and 2010.

Senator Fontana, who is in the caucus leadership position of Caucus Administrator, currently serves as the Democratic Chair of the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee. He is also a member of the Judiciary, Law & Justice, Democratic Policy and Urban Affairs & Housing Committees. He also serves on the Senate Committee on Ethics and Official Conduct.

Senator Fontana serves as the Vice Chairman of the PA Higher Education Assistance Association (PHEAA); Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County Board; Chair of the Sports and Exhibition Authority; Point Park University Trustee; and the Executive Committee of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation.

Senator Fontana was born and raised in the Beechview section of Pittsburgh, by his parents along with his two older brothers. He and his wife reside in the Brookline section of Pittsburgh. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Prior to election to the Senate, Wayne served as an inaugural member of Allegheny County Council, representing the 12th District. He served as Council Vice President from January 2004 through March 2005.

Wayne has deep roots in the community. He previously served as a 19th Ward Committee person for the Allegheny County Democratic Committee. He is also an active member of the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (RAMP), the Italian Sons and Daughters of America and the Lion's Club. He is a former member of Boilermakers Local 154 and Teamsters Locals 249 and 211.

Wayne is a professional real estate associate and broker. He most recently worked for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services as a Sales Manager and Associate Broker. In 2004, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by RAMP. Wayne holds an Associate's Degree in Business from the Community College of Allegheny County.