Rep. Brach Myers Announces Run for Open Senate Seat.

Republican State Rep. Brach Myers, who represents Lafayette’s House District 45 in the State Legislature, announced today he will seek the Senate District 23 seat, after current State Sen. Jean-Paul Coussan was elected to the Public Service Commission. Myers, recently named the “Rising Star” of the legislature, has made a name for himself as an impactful leader in the House, and says he is running to ensure Lafayette Parish continues to have the strong, conservative voice it needs in Baton Rouge.

“I come from a strong Acadiana family of entrepreneurs and job-creators who care for our neighbors, our culture and way of life,” says Myers. “Our community leads the state in innovation, entrepreneurship, health care, oil and gas know-how and so much more, and it’s critical we have the right voice fighting for our future in Baton Rouge at such an exciting time for our state and nation. This open seat marks an opportunity for me to serve our parish at a higher level and continue the legacy of effective, dedicated conservative leadership District 23 has brought to our State Capitol on behalf of Lafayette Parish. I’m grateful the voters sent me to represent Lafayette, and I’ve done them proud, strongly supporting common sense conservative legislation, voting pro-life, pro-job and pro-Constitution. I’ve enacted my own meaningful legislation that will move our state forward, and I ask for the same chance to deliver for Lafayette Parish as your State Senator.”

Myers was first elected to serve in the legislature in 2023, and during a marathon freshman year of special sessions has distinguished himself as a leader in health care policy, ensuring Louisiana citizens have access to the care they need, innovating in funding for training of our health care workforce and telehealth capabilities. He was recognized by the Chamber SWLA as its 2024 “Rising Star,” an award given annually to one freshman legislator whose work demonstrates great potential, and given the “Statewide Impact” award by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System for his legislation ramping up the HERO fund. Brach was recognized as one of three “Legislative Leader Award Winners” by the Louisiana Hospital Association, and named an “All Star” by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry for supporting pro-business legislation that grows economic opportunity and protects Louisiana jobs.

Brach serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, in addition to the Committees on Health and Welfare, Retirement, the House Executive Committee and the Joint Legislative Committee on Capital Outlay. He is Vice Chair of the Acadiana Delegation, and is a member of the Louisiana Republican Legislative Delegation and the Rural Caucus.

Rep. Myers successfully passed a number of bills into law in 2024, including:

• HB 329 - Amended the Health Care Employment Reinvestment Opportunity (HERO) Fund, creating a public / private partnership model and doubling the remaining $15 million in the fund to address critical healthcare workforce shortages

• HB 853 - Created the Office of the Louisiana Surgeon General within the Louisiana Department of Health, following models of eight other states focused on making meaningful impact in healthcare outcomes with a new leadership targeting preventative care and legislative collaboration

• HB 865 - Placed in statute the ability of Virtual Supervision for Social Workers and Licensed Counselors, broadening access to these services in rural areas and providing for efficient expansion of mental health services in areas with the least available provider network

• HB 896 - Created the Louisiana Remote Patient Monitoring Program Law, setting the framework for the adoption of technology to aid healthcare access and workforce shortages and allowing for more efficient care

• HCR 108 - Commended the 2024 Festival Acadiens et Creoles in Lafayette on the occasion of the festival's 50th Anniversary

• HR 197 - Recognized May 2, 2024, as a National Day of Prayer

In his private life, Myers serves as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development for a national healthcare provider that delivers post-acute healthcare services in more than 40 states, employing more than 30,000 clinicians and healthcare professionals across the U.S. The Louisiana company was founded by Brach’s parents more than 30 years ago, and for the past two decades, Brach has helped to grow it into a leading employer and health care provider, playing a frontline role in fostering strong partnerships between the company and the organizations over 300 hospitals and healthcare systems partners throughout the nation.

Brach’s roots run deep in Acadiana. He was born and raised in Palmetto and spent a few formative years in New Iberia before settling down in Lafayette with his wife, Carly, where he has given his time and talent to local nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on lifting up Acadiana’s youth.

Brach, Carly and their son Emile enjoy taking advantage of all that life in Acadiana has to offer.