Born and raised in Vernon Parish, James David Cain graduated from Pitkin High School and attended McNeese State University on a basketball scholarship. During his years at McNeese, James David earned a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and was a three-year varsity letterman on the Cowboy Basketball Team. Shortly after graduation, James David chose to serve our nation and did so for two years before being honorably discharged from our United States Army.
In 1962, he returned home and became a teacher and basketball coach at East Beauregard High School. During his time as a teacher, James David was a mentor and guide to thousands of young men and women from Beauregard parish. As a coach, he was twice named Louisiana Coach of the Year. In 1993, after winning over 300 games and nine district titles, he was inducted into the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame.
In 1971, James David Cain was called to Baton Rouge, after the citizens of Beauregard, Allan, and Calcasieu elected him to the Louisiana House of Representatives. While serving in the House, James David established a reputation as a reformer when he introduced the first bill regulating hazardous waste in our state. Throughout his tenure in the House, Cain became known as a leader by founding both the Rural and the Independent Caucuses and was elected as the first chairman of both groups. These organizations were the first to give a voice to those who had gone so often unheard in the legislature. Over 30 years later, the two Caucuses remain prominent and strong forces in the House of Representatives.
In 1991 the voters of South West Louisiana elected James David Cain to the Louisiana State Senate. He serves the good people from District 30 to this day. In the Senate, James David serves as Chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee. It is a responsibility that has given him an in-depth understanding of the critical challenges that face the people of our state, as well as the crisis that faces the insurance industry itself. Through his oversight and legislative actions, Senator Cain has been a champion of the people of Louisiana, fighting for increased accountability in government, a fair tax system in the private and business sectors, and reform in Louisiana on all fronts.
At home, James David is a devout Christian and family man. He is married to Renee Cole Cain and has four children and three wonderful grandchildren. He currently raises cattle and horses on his ranch at Dry Creek and is a member of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association and the Beauregard Cattlemen's Association.