Justin Burns is a proud, lifelong resident of Virginia Beach with strong family ties to Hampton Roads. Growing up in a military family, he's the great-grandson of a World War II Army veteran, with other relatives who served in both the Army and Navy through various conflicts, from the Vietnam War to Desert Storm. This rich military heritage has instilled in Justin a profound respect for the armed forces and an understanding of their essential role and sacrifices on the global stage.

Raised by a single mother with the support of his grandmother, Justin was guided by three core principles: putting service before self, striving for academic excellence, and treating others with dignity and respect. These values—education and service—shaped Justin's identity and fueled his commitment to civic engagement.

Justin's passion for politics sparked at a young age when he watched then-Senator Barack Obama's rousing speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. This moment opened Justin's eyes to the power of leadership and ignited his desire to follow a similar path. Eager to make a difference, Justin volunteered for Senator Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, marking the start of his political journey. Over the next decade, Justin worked on twenty campaigns, gaining invaluable experience and bridging Democratic and Republican viewpoints. This background prepared Justin for a legislative aide position in the Virginia General Assembly in 2016, where he worked across the aisle and provided exceptional constituent service and engagement. Justin's contributions have significantly influenced key legislation on education, energy, and the needs of military-connected families..

Throughout middle and high school, Justin was an active member of Student Government, where he showcased his leadership abilities. He helped raise thousands of dollars for charities and local initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to giving back. Additionally, in 2015, Justin partnered with then-Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms and Governor Terry McAuliffe to launch a Local and Statewide Leadership Week, an initiative honoring students' outstanding leadership achievements.

In 2018, Justin served on the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission's student leaders committee, working alongside students and community leaders to promote awareness of Virginia Beach's history and the importance of preserving its historic resources.

In 2019, the Virginia Beach City Council unanimously appointed Justin to a three-year term on the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission. He collaborated with Waste Management and Parks and Recreation to promote litter prevention, recycling, beautification, and general environmental awareness through educational projects for all community segments. As the commission's youngest member, Justin focused on increasing youth engagement and successfully expanded its membership to include two student representative positions.

For the past five years, Justin has poured his heart and energy into education, dedicated to shaping the minds and futures of the next generation. Justin firmly believes in the transformative power of education and works tirelessly to inspire, challenge, and empower his students to realize their full potential. Through his commitment to fostering a love for learning, Justin imparts knowledge and cultivates critical thinking, perseverance, and curiosity—skills that help his students thrive in an ever-changing world. Justin's work as an educator transcends the classroom; it's a commitment to creating a brighter, more thoughtful future for all