Frank Burns is an American politician. He is a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives, representing district 21. He replaced Republican Mike Ramone, who resigned in order to run for governor.
Frank Burns | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Delaware House of Representatives from the 21st district | |
| Assumed office November 5, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Mike Ramone |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Newark, Delaware |
| Website | Official website |
Biography
editBurns earned a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.[1] He went on to direct laboratories at MCP Hahnemann University and Jefferson Medical College.[1] He lived in Pennsylvania while commuting to work in Delaware for several years before finally moving to Delaware in 2017.[2] He runs a small biotech company.[2]
Prior to running for office, Burns had been involved in environmental and climate advocacy.[2] In 2022, he filed just before the filing deadline to run against incumbent Republican Mike Ramone to represent 21st district in the Delaware House of Representatives.[3] He lost in the general election by 35 votes, but the small margin triggered a mandatory recount.[4] Although both candidates lost votes in the recount, the difference increased by six votes to 41.[4][5]
In July 2023, Burns announced that he would run against Ramone again.[5] Ramone subsequently announced he would not seek reelection to the House so that he could run for governor of Delaware, and Brenda Mennella became the Republican nominee.[6] Burns faced nonprofit director Michael Smith in the Democratic primary election, winning by 30 votes.[2] He made education funding reform a priority in his campaign and stated there was a need for an independent office of the inspector general to investigate state corruption.[7] He was also endorsed by the Working Families Party.[8] He won the general election over Mennella with 58% of the vote.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "Meet Frank". Campaign website. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Shannon, Josh (September 10, 2024). "Burns narrowly wins District 21 state House primary". Newark Post.
- ^ Sawicki, Rachel (August 16, 2024). "Races to Watch: Pair of Democrats vie for 21st House District opening". Delaware First Media.
- ^ a b Megginson, Charlie (November 12, 2022). "Rep. Mike Ramone prevails in election recount | Delaware LIVE News". Delaware Live.
- ^ a b Sawicki, Rachel (July 7, 2023). "Democrat Frank Burns announces bid to unseat House Minority Leader Mike Ramone in 21st District". Delaware First Media.
- ^ Shannon, Josh (August 22, 2024). "Primary Election 2024: Two Democrats vying for chance to flip District 21 House seat". Newark Post.
- ^ a b Shannon, Josh (November 5, 2024). "Democrats flip District 21 House seat as voters choose Burns". Newark Post.
- ^ Fries, Amanda (April 30, 2024). "Who has Working Families endorsed for Delaware governor, General Assembly?". The News Journal.