Justin Burns, a Virginia Beach native and third-grade teacher, is running for Virginia State Delegate in District 100, which encompasses Northwestern Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore counties of Accomack and Northampton. As a special education inclusion teacher, Burns brings a unique perspective to his campaign, focusing on issues like education, affordable housing, environmental protection, and reproductive rights. His campaign demonstrates the growing trend of educators stepping into politics to address systemic issues they witness firsthand in their communities and classrooms.
Education stands at the forefront of Burns’ platform, particularly as concerns mount about potential elimination of the Department of Education at the federal level. He articulates how such cuts would disproportionately impact special education programs, arts education, and resources for students with disabilities. Burns highlights the antiquated funding formula in Virginia, warning that without federal oversight, education resources could become even more inequitably distributed, particularly harming areas like the Eastern Shore where the median household income is approximately $36,000 below the state average. His perspective underscores the real-world implications of education policy decisions on Virginia’s most vulnerable communities.
The affordable housing crisis represents another central issue in Burns’ campaign, particularly for the Eastern Shore portion of his district. He notes the critical shortage of both affordable housing and workforce housing options in the region. Burns advocates for incentivizing developers to build both single-family and multi-family units that are accessible to working families. His perspective on housing interconnects with other policy areas, highlighting how housing proximity to workplaces impacts traffic congestion, environmental concerns, and quality of life for residents across the district. The candidate’s comprehensive approach acknowledges that housing policy cannot be addressed in isolation from other community needs.
Environmental challenges are particularly relevant in District 100, which borders both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Burns expresses concern about recurrent flooding, sea level rise, and sustainable development practices in coastal areas. He points to the pressing need for proactive policies that protect wetlands and marshes while ensuring housing development proceeds in environmentally responsible ways. His environmental platform reflects the unique geographic challenges of his coastal district and demonstrates an understanding of how climate issues intersect with housing, infrastructure, and economic development concerns across Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore.
As a candidate in a Republican-leaning district, Burns acknowledges the political challenges ahead but remains committed to meeting voters where they are and focusing on issues rather than partisan divides. He emphasizes that regardless of political affiliation, residents share common concerns about education, housing affordability, environmental protection, and economic opportunity. Burns brings an organizer’s mindset to his campaign, believing that genuine conversations based on facts can help overcome political apathy and build consensus around shared priorities. His candidacy represents a new generation of leadership focusing on practical solutions to everyday challenges facing Virginia families.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
LISTEN NOW
