Bret Allain

Bret Allain was born and raised on the Bayou Teche. Bret started working on the farm with his father at age 13, and learned how to be resourceful and overcome obstacles through hard work and determination. He has built several successful businesses, and has met a payroll every week since 1980. "My father taught me you do a good job in your business because your employees depend on you," he remembers. "Take care of them, the rest will take care of itself."

His roots run deep in South Louisiana. Descended from a long line of farmers, Bret also achieved success in the oil and gas industry. While serving on the State Mineral Board, he helped transform the leasing process from one shaded by unfair access and favoritism to one that is competitive and transparent. "Gone are the days of back-room deals and shakedowns to get a lease in Louisiana," he says. "Today, everyone gets a chance." He serves on the Agricultural Finance Authority, and is an appointed member of the I-49 Task Force.

Bret believes in fairness, and the right to enjoy the fruits of one's labors. With the state budget deficit and national recession, the catchphrase "Do more with less" is not new to him. As a businessman, he has been doing more with less for thirty years, and thinks politicians ought to start doing it too. "In a family, you cut spending to make ends meet because you have to. You adjust and prioritize. Government should operate the same way. If you don't have it, you cannot spend it, or your children and grandchildren will pay the price," he believes.

Bret has never before run for office. He is not a smooth, good ol' boy politician. He believes it's more important to do the right thing than to "say all the right things." He values substance over style and straight talk over flowery promises. He is dedicated to serving the people of District 21 and restoring their faith in their elected officials.

He believes if ordinary people don't get involved in their government, government will continue to overstep its authority. It will continue to disregard the wishes of the people and serve itself.

Bret wants to contribute to a rebirth of common sense and accountability, and give something back to the state and country that has given him so much. "My grandfather always said, 'A good farmer puts more into the soil than he takes out.' "This is my time to 'put back,' " says Bret. He knows that integrity in government is not Republican or Democrat, and that good values aren't the exclusive property of any political party. He knows good people all have the same dreams: opportunity, a good-paying job, a sense of accomplishment, and the ability to leave something to their children. They want to look back and know their lives had dignity and purpose.

Bret is a graduate of Louisiana State University. He is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baldwin, and has been married for 25 years to the former Kim McElveen. They are the parents of three children: Quin Elise, Emma Marie, and Robert Lebreton. They make their home in Adeline.