Table of Contents
Running for office is no small decision, whether at the local, state, or federal level. For retired Marine Corps officer Chris Burnett, the choice to run for Congress stems from a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. In a recent Stories of Service podcast episode with host Theresa Carpenter, Burnett opened up about his 22-year Marine Corps career, his passion for law and public service, and his vision for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District.
Chris Burnett
GUEST BIO: WHO IS CHRIS BURNETT
Chris Burnett is a devoted husband, father of four, and decorated Marine Corps officer whose career has been defined by integrity, leadership, and service. Over 22 years, he led Marines in combat zones, advised commanders on complex legal and national security issues, and shaped U.S. foreign policy from the Pentagon to the battlefield.
His assignments spanned from Iraq and U.S. Southern Command to Marine Forces Cyberspace Command, giving him a reputation for sound judgment and strategic thinking. Today, Burnett is stepping forward once again—this time as a candidate for Congress.
From Pittsburgh Roots to the Marine Corps
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Burnett came from a family steeped in Army service. But it wasn’t until a chance encounter on a rugby field with a Marine Corps lawyer that Burnett considered joining the Corps. “He told me it was the hardest thing I could do—to be a Marine Corps officer and a lawyer,” Burnett recalled. “And I was sold.”
Inspired by his older brother, a lawyer he deeply admired, and by his own experiences helping low-income families through AmeriCorps, Burnett pursued law as a way to effect meaningful change. Soon after, he commissioned into the Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate (JAG).
Serving Through Law and Combat
While many military lawyers focus on personnel issues, Burnett specialized in international and operational law, working closely with planners and commanders on missions where the stakes were high.
His work meant navigating U.S. law, foreign law, treaties, and rules of engagement—all while helping commanders balance mission accomplishment with minimizing risks to civilians and service members.
“Operational law is where the rubber meets the road,” Burnett explained. “It’s about setting conditions for Marines to succeed while making sound, informed decisions in complex environments.”
Lessons from Iraq and Beyond
Burnett deployed four times to Iraq and later supported operations under Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). His approach to rules of engagement (ROE) emphasized transparency and equipping Marines with the knowledge to act decisively and ethically in ambiguous situations.
“Our job is to assume some risk so we can protect the most vulnerable,” Burnett told Theresa. By framing ROE not as restrictions but as tools for decision-making, he empowered service members to act with clarity and confidence.
Transitioning from Military to Public Service
After five deployments, six moves, and years away from his family, Burnett decided to retire from the Marine Corps. Yet instead of pursuing a quieter path, he chose to continue serving—this time through elected office.
Landing in Maryland during the pandemic, Burnett witnessed firsthand how policy decisions impacted everyday families, from school closures to rising energy costs. These experiences, combined with his background in law and national security, inspired him to run for Congress.
Vision for Maryland’s 6th District
Burnett’s campaign centers on restoring trust, integrity, and accountability in government. His priorities include:
Supporting families and small businesses through lower costs and fewer regulatory burdens.
Strengthening education by prioritizing merit, transparency, and parental involvement.
Ensuring energy stability by balancing environmental initiatives with realistic infrastructure needs.
Upholding national security with policies that protect both the homeland and U.S. interests abroad.
He stresses that diversity of thought—not one-party dominance—is key to achieving balanced, effective governance.
Listen Here
Watch Full Episode
🔑Key Takeaways
🎖️ Career of Service: Burnett spent 22 years in the Marine Corps, advising on law, national security, and combat operations.
⚖️ Legal Mindset: His approach emphasizes not just what’s legal, but how leaders can make informed, ethical decisions under pressure.
🏛️ Why He’s Running: After retiring, Burnett saw Maryland families struggling with high costs, divisive education policies, and burdensome regulations.
🌱 Vision for Change: His platform prioritizes trust, transparency, and common-sense solutions for Maryland’s 6th District.
Conclusion
From combat zones to congressional halls, Chris Burnett’s story is one of continued service. His journey highlights how military leadership, legal expertise, and personal dedication can translate into civic responsibility.
For those who want to hear the full conversation, including Burnett’s personal anecdotes and deeper campaign insights, check out the complete Stories of Service episode.
👉 Listen to the full interview with Chris Burnett on Stories of Service
FAQs
What motivated Chris Burnett to join the Marine Corps?
Although he came from a family with Army service, Burnett was inspired to pursue the Marine Corps after a conversation with a Marine lawyer he met through rugby. Drawn to the challenge, he pursued both law and military service, commissioning as a Marine officer in 2001.
What type of law did Chris Burnett practice in the military?
Burnett specialized in international and operational law. He worked closely with military planners on rules of engagement, risk assessments, and international treaties—helping ensure missions were both lawful and strategically sound.
Did Chris Burnett serve in combat?
Yes. Burnett deployed multiple times to Iraq, serving in both combat and operational law roles. His work included advising commanders on rules of engagement and protecting both U.S. forces and civilians in complex combat environments.
Why is Chris Burnett running for Congress?
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Burnett settled in Maryland. He says he was motivated to run after seeing how policy decisions—particularly in schools, energy, and local governance—were impacting families, farmers, and small businesses. His campaign focuses on restoring trust, lowering costs, cutting waste, and promoting opportunity.
What issues does Chris Burnett prioritize?
Burnett’s campaign highlights integrity in government, improving education, strengthening the economy, ensuring military readiness, supporting small businesses, and addressing concerns around energy policy and parental rights in schools.
Where is Maryland’s 6th Congressional District?
Maryland’s 6th Congressional District includes parts of Montgomery and Frederick Counties, as well as Western Maryland. It covers both suburban and rural communities, making issues like education, infrastructure, and agriculture especially important to voters.
