Burns 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]