From Humble Roots to the Marine Corps
Kevin Burge’s story begins in a working-class family in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he lived in a trailer on the edge of town. His early life was defined by his family moving frequently for work until they settled in North Carolina. A pivotal moment came during his junior year of high school: the September 11th attacks. Motivated by a sense of duty, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 17, with his mother taking him to the recruiting center to sign the papers. This decision marked the beginning of a long career in national service, starting with his service in the Marine Corps Reserve from 2003 to 2011.
A Career in National Service
Burge's military career included multiple deployments. He served two tours in Iraq, where he worked as a logistician responsible
for critical supply operations for Marine forces, including managing the infrastructure transfers needed to close Camp Fallujah. He later deployed to Afghanistan, where he led a security team for intelligence analysts in the region. After his time in the Marines, Burge transitioned into the intelligence community, working as a defense intelligence officer. His work eventually led him to a role as a technical advisor in the White House Situation Room during the Biden administration. During his deployments, he developed an interest in information technology and logistics, which shaped his professional path after his military service.
The Race for Texas's 24th District
Now a resident of Tarrant County, Burge is making his first run for public office. He secured the Democratic nomination for Texas's 24th Congressional District after winning a primary runoff on May 26, 2026. In the general election on November 3, 2026, he will face incumbent Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne. His campaign frames him as a political outsider whose background in the military and intelligence has prepared him to tackle complex challenges without being beholden to special interests. He often cites his experience making high-stakes decisions where mistakes were not an option as a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.
Platform and Personal Life
Burge's platform centers on issues he describes as critical for working families. His top priorities include making housing more affordable, pushing for Medicare for All, protecting and restoring abortion rights, and providing tuition-free public college and trade education. He argues for building an economy that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy. On a personal level, Burge is a husband and father. His wife, Jessy, immigrated to the United States from Honduras, later became a citizen, and now serves as a commissioned officer in the Texas Army National Guard. They are raising their son in North Richland Hills, where he attends a local public school.
