Trump’s top pastor, Mark Burns, running for Congress

Trey Gowdy is retiring after his term creating a rather large vacancy for Republicans in Congress. Looking to fill the void is Pastor Mark Burns.

Pastor Mark Burns has been lauded as Trump’s top pastor and was rather influential in the 2016 election. His influence landed him or was made clear in the 2016 Republican National Convention where he gave a passionate “All Lives Matter” speech. Mark Burns is the founder and CEO of NOW Television Network. After serving six years in the South Carolina Army National Guard, Pastor Burns along with his wife Tomarra Burns founded the multicultural, non-denominational contemporary church The Harvest Praise & Worship Center of Easley.

Though somewhat new to the political scene, Mark Burns is not without scandal. During the Trump campaign, he was busted for and admitted to padding up his resume with false accomplishments. These remain credibility concerns moving into the race for the South Carolina 4th district. Burns made his announcement via Twitter, highlighting his unifying personality.

I am officially seeking the Republican nomination for South Carolina's 4th Congressional district seat, being vacated by the retiring Congressman @TGowdySC. Please share this video highlighting my work for @realDonaldTrump. Get on board https://t.co/KBIsjwf3SJ #MAGA #SC04 #tcot pic.twitter.com/lY7Q2pscIG

— Pastor Mark Burns (@pastormarkburns) February 16, 2018

Reactions

Someone's auditioning for Omarosa's vacated position of Resident Uncle Ruckus. pic.twitter.com/S6pfWMBFvE

— Know_ur_nature (@Joy_EH) February 16, 2018

I really hate to see Trey Gowdy go but looks like Pastor Burns will bring some needed passion.

— j. don smith (@jdshuntin) February 16, 2018

My Take

Considering this race, “Burns”. That being said, he could have a Roy Moore sized scandal level his campaign. But without such, it seems as though this race is over before it began. I remain optimistic about Mark Burns joining the ranks of Congress. Previously, Burns announced he was praying about challenging Lindsey Graham, a notorious warmongering RINO. But it appears either prayer or opportunism has landed him in a different race. Due to his political amateurism, not many of his positions are clear. Oddly enough, he has suggested Federal takeover of public school security. Though his heart seems in the right place, his position shows a lack of localism which small government believes in. It’s safe to speculate that Mark Burns isn’t all that fiscal conservative which isn’t unfamiliar.

On social issues, however, Pastor Mark Burns could be a strong tool for conservatives, so long as he can graduate from being a Trump surrogate. Burns has a more unifying persona than a lot of Republicans adding the possibility of broadening the base. On the issues of race and abortion, Pastor Mark Burns is a powerful voice. Though a strong personality does not make one the best candidate, Burn has tremendous potential to make a difference in DC.