VIRGINIA BEACH — The number of candidates running for Virginia Beach mayor keeps growing, but one name will not appear on the 2024 ballot.
Justin Burns, who had formed a campaign organization to run for mayor, on Friday, May 10, said he isn’t running for mayor or any other office this year.
“There’s a lot happening personally and professionally in my life,” he said during an interview, “and I don’t feel now would be the best time for me to run for such an important office. I don’t feel I would be able to give it my all.”
Five people, including the incumbent, Mayor Bobby Dyer, have declared in the mayoral race this year. Dyer faces four challengers — City Councilmembers Chris Taylor and Sabrina Wooten, former City Councilmember John Moss and Cheryl Turpin, a former state lawmaker who announced her candidacy this week.
In a statement, Burns said he backs Wooten.
“She has the experience, integrity and vision to guide our city forward,” Burns wrote.
Burns, now a teacher, became known when he sought local office in the past, gaining media attention due to his youth. In 2020, he ran for a School Board seat while still a college student, though he left that race due to challenges campaigning amid the pandemic.
Nominating petitions his campaign submitted proved problematic, though. In 2022, Burns pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors related to petitions he signed off on though they included fake signatures.
Burns said in an interview that year that he had signed off on petitions he had not circulated himself. He took responsibility, and he said he hoped to continue to stay involved in public life.
On Friday, May 10, Burns said he said he hasn’t ruled out seeking public office again down the line.
“All of that is open,” he said.
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