About Wayne

Senator Wayne Fontana was first elected to represent the 42nd Senatorial District in the Pennsylvania Senate in 2005. In addition to 17 suburban communities, his district includes 16 wards within the City of Pittsburgh, including a vibrant downtown, North Shore and Strip District destinations.

Wayne currently serves in the leadership position of Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman, a role that permits him to set the daily caucus agenda and lead the discussion on bills that are under consideration before the Senate. In addition to his leadership role, he serves on the following committees: Community, Economic & Recreational Development, Finance, Local Government, Rules & Executive Nominations and Urban Affairs & Housing, as well as the Democratic Policy Committee.

At the state level, Wayne serves as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). In the Pittsburgh region, Wayne is chairman of the Sports & Exhibition Authority Board, a member of the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, and board member of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

Prior to his election to the Senate, Wayne served as an inaugural member of Allegheny County Council, where he was elected to serve as vice president. Wayne is a realtor and real estate broker by profession.  He has previously worked for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services as a Sales Manager and Associate Broker and is a past recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh.  

A former member of Boilermakers Local 154 and Teamsters Locals 249 and 211, Wayne has deep roots in the community. He previously served as Vice Chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee and as a 19th Ward Committee person.  He is a member of the Italian Sons & Daughters of America and was a recipient of the Pittsburgh Downtown Community Development Corporation Community Leader Award. He was also honored by the Clean Water Action Fund as a recipient of the Dewey Award for his advocacy as a champion of the environment. 

A graduate of Community College of Allegheny County, Wayne holds an Associate’s Degree in Business. Born and raised in the Beechview section of the City of Pittsburgh, he and his wife Francine reside in the Brookline section of Pittsburgh. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Updated 1/2023