You Know Me

Brian Wrightson has spent his entire life living, working, and fighting to make life better for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Whether he was umpiring youth baseball and softball, standing shoulder to shoulder with our hometown first responders, or climbing 250 feet up a mountaintop communications tower to bring internet access to his rural neighbors, Brian has never forgotten his roots or the values instilled in him as a child. He has always been the kind of person who reaches out a hand to lift up a neighbor or a stranger when they need it most.

Brian is the proud father of five children and grandfather of six, and he is married to his best friend, Maria Elisa. More than eight years ago, his family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when Brian lost his son in a car accident. He understands firsthand the overwhelming pain and the permanent ache of an empty seat at the table, an experience that continues to shape his compassion and commitment to others.

For more than 35 years, Brian’s career has followed several paths, all rooted in service. While his professional foundation is in information technology, he also devoted years to working alongside volunteers at the American Red Cross, ensuring families across NEPA were cared for when disaster struck. As an Emergency Services Director, Brian earned the respect of local first responders by always standing at their side, not only to help victims, but to make sure responders themselves had the resources and support they needed to do their jobs safely.

During his tenure with the Red Cross, Brian was recognized by FEMA and the FAA for his preparedness drills and served as a member of the Northeast Pennsylvania Counter-Terrorism Task Force. During the devastating 2011 Susquehanna River floods, Brian led teams of volunteers who sheltered and fed thousands of displaced families. In just the first five days, his teams provided more than 70,000 meals and sheltered over 3,500 people across multiple locations.

Along the way, Brian also opened and operated the Playing Fields Sports Dome, a regional hub for indoor soccer, baseball, and softball. The facility hosted the first-ever Division III Women’s Softball Regional Championship and served more than 1,500 participants each week. Brian was also a strong supporter of young musical talent, hosting local bands, some of whom are still touring today.

One of Brian’s proudest accomplishments came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to reliable internet became a lifeline. Through Firetower Communications and Icon Technologies, where he manages the rural broadband division, Brian helped bring internet access to hundreds of rural families, allowing students to stay in school, workers to stay employed, and families to stay connected. Today, he continues working to expand broadband access across rural communities.

Brian was truly raised by a team. His parents, Tony and Sharon Wrightson, worked hard to make ends meet, and his upbringing was shared with his grandmother Helen, grandfather Eddie, and his paternal grandparents, Jack and Vivian. By the age of 16, Brian was working full-time and helping build houses from the ground up. His uncles Duane, Eddie, and Charlie taught him woodworking, electrical work, plumbing, and automotive repair, skills he still uses today.

Politics has been part of Brian’s life since 1981, when his mother broke the local glass ceiling as the first woman elected to local council. But for Brian, service has never been about politics. It has always been about helping people.

Brian lives in Archbald with his wife Maria Elisa, their son Kyle, and daughter Jordan. His daughter Victoria lives in Downingtown, and Alexa lives in Scranton.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

What do Dirty Hands, Innovative Minds, Compassion, Determination, and Cooperation have in common? Us!

From the Delaware River to the Lackawanna Valley, our area is rich in history and a legacy that rivals anywhere. From families that go back many generations to those who now call the region home, when we work together, we always accomplish great things.

In these trying times, we need a leader with a voice that seeks moderation and common ground but has the fighting spirit to stand up for everyone’s rights and call out divisive untruths. Someone willing to listen to every point of view, even those they don’t agree with, and act with authority, empathy, and common sense when in the fight.

My name is Brian Wrightson, I am running for PA Senate District 40, this district covers All of Monroe County and parts of Lackawanna and Wayne. Let us build an even more historic future, and let us do it together.

Those of you who know me, know the passion I will bring to our communities to accomplish the impossible.

Regardless of whether we see eye to eye, I will shake your hand, sit down at your kitchen table, and work together to find a resolution to a problem.

All politics start at the local level—right at that kitchen table. Families discuss topics such as health care, employment, education, and quality of life. Though the concerns may differ for the forklift operator in Jessup, the dairy farmer in Cherry Ridge, or the small business owner in downtown Stroudsburg, they are equally important to solve. A balanced, common-sense approach to problem-solving is needed. Cooperation is needed!

As a former Emergency Services Director for a national non-profit, I have witnessed firsthand the heroic deeds of our Police, Fire, and EMS responders. They are superheroes living right next door. Sadly, their numbers are dropping, especially among volunteer firefighters. We must find a better way to provide adequate training and support, recognize achievements, implement mentorship programs, and consider flexible scheduling options through employers. Their safety and well-being must be prioritized after saving our families, they need to return to theirs, safe! I will work to create incentives to recruit new fire personnel and retain the career volunteers whose experience has no price.

Our farmers in this district, are collectively losing nearly two million dollars a year, forcing some to sell parts of their land or stop farming altogether. This trend must be reversed. For too long, infrastructure needs such as adequate internet and improvements to the electrical grid have taken a backseat. With rising utility and fuel costs, everyday life becomes more difficult. Our agricultural community will not be forgotten or left behind. I promise my farm friends: I will be there for you. I Spend most of my days working around you, I hear you, I see your struggles, and I will be ready to get my hands dirty to fight for legislation that works for you.

As proud parents of five individually unique children, we see firsthand the challenges families face. However, the rights of our three daughters are under constant attack. Every one of our daughters must be assured that their rights and access to the services they need will always be maintained.

Being raised in both the Catholic and Primitive Methodist churches, I am sometimes conflicted by my younger upbringing.

I am pro-choice because being pro-choice is not pro-abortion. It means recognizing that women have the right to make personal medical decisions, and it also assures a woman’s right not to have an abortion. We must trust women to know what is best for themselves and their families. These decisions are tough enough without the pressure of a politician.

In 2017, we lost our oldest son to a motor vehicle accident. Since then, we have met far too many parents who have lost a child—whether through drug addiction, accidents, or medical issues. There is too much pain in our community. It is all our duty to be there for each other. I will not divide us but work tirelessly to unite us. I will fight for better mental health services, addiction recovery programs, and policies that strengthen families.

Our veterans also need more support. As the proud grandson of a World War II veteran, I cannot imagine the daily struggles of our bravest, but I do know the challenges families face in getting the services they need. We must do better and honor their service. They stood strong for us—help me help them.

My grandfather taught me that once I give my word, I must honor it and work as hard as I can to keep it. There will be failures, but I will always get up, dust off and work even harder.

I assure you this, regardless of whether you support me or not, I will work even harder today than I did yesterday to make sure our area has a seat at the table.

My ears will always remain open, to make sure I hear your concerns. My hand will be extended to help with the heavy lifting, and I will do the work it takes to make our area stronger and more prosperous.

I won’t stand above you or behind you—I will be standing at your side, no matter our differences.

You know me, and when I take on a task, I will not stop until it is finished.