Kevin Burns for Sheriff

Kevin Burns for Sheriff You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. Make sure you are surrounded by those who add value to each other.

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. I am a lifelong New Mexican, raised in rural communities where hard work wasn’t a choice, it was a way of life. From 4-H and FFA to ranch work, construction, and the oilfield, I learned the values of grit, responsibility, and showing up early. My wife and I raised our family right here in San Juan County, where we’ve embraced the small-town life,

coaching youth sports and enjoying everything our great outdoors has to offer. After years in the private sector, I sought a career rooted in purpose and professionalism and found it at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. For 19 years, I’ve served this community with the same blue-collar work ethic I grew up with. From patrol to narcotics to investigations, I’ve led from the front in every role not just enforcing the law, but treating people with professionalism, compassion, and respect. As a detective, I worked everything from thefts to homicides. My greatest growth came during my time with Region II Narcotics, where I supervised and later directed high-risk, multi-agency operations targeting drug trafficking networks that reached beyond our borders. These operations required leadership, financial oversight, strategic planning, and strong partnerships, all skills I bring with me today. Now serving as Captain over Investigations, Records, Evidence, IT, and Public Information, I remain deeply involved — whether I’m in the field with detectives at 3 a.m. or at a criminal justice board meeting at 10:30 a.m. My role also places me at the center of leading largescale critical incidents and system-wide improvement efforts, including:

Incident Commander Crystal Snow, Avalanche Squared, and Navajo Gold
Chairing the Justice Reinvestment Working Group, identifying root causes of crime such as narcotics use and untreated behavioral health needs. Modernizing local operations, transitioning outdated paper systems to electronic workflows to increase efficiency and accountability. Leading the Intimate Partner Risk Assessment initiative, improving our response to domestic violence through data-backed tools and victim advocacy. Restoring vital partnerships across law enforcement, courts, and community service providers — because real public safety requires collaboration. I’ve proudly represented the Sheriff’s Office at the local and state levels, helping influence legislation and secure resources that benefit our citizens. My involvement is trusted, my decisions reflect our mission, and I don’t shy away from hard conversations when the stakes are high. Our community deserves leadership that’s professional, informed, and present. I’m committed to making San Juan County the safest place to raise a family and run a business in New Mexico. I’ve proven I’m ready, not only to protect what matters but to lead with purpose.

Today we celebrate Flag Day and honor the enduring symbol of our nation. The American flag represents freedom, sacrifice...
06/14/2026

Today we celebrate Flag Day and honor the enduring symbol of our nation. The American flag represents freedom, sacrifice, service, and the shared values that unite us as Americans. As we reflect on its meaning, let us remember those who have defended it and those who continue to serve our communities and country with honor. 🇺🇸

Back in civilization after a great time in the mountains! Thanks for all the support! It’s been a great ride and we are ...
06/07/2026

Back in civilization after a great time in the mountains! Thanks for all the support! It’s been a great ride and we are thankful for all the new friends we made during this journey! Congrats to Ken Christesen and we’ll see y’all soon!

06/03/2026

Thank you for all your support throughout this race. The numbers show the Ken Christensen will end up coming out on top tonight. I called and congratulated him and have spoken to my team. We are proud of how we ran and I am thankful for each of you and your support.

Here we go! Last day to vote! I appreciate all the support and new friendships we've developed along the way! Help me mo...
06/02/2026

Here we go! Last day to vote! I appreciate all the support and new friendships we've developed along the way! Help me move us forward!

It's Election Day for the 2026 Primary! There are 33 polling places that are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm! Find the full list of polling places and the one nearest you at SJCClerk.net.

The 2026 Primary Election will determine which candidates from the Republican Party and Democratic Party will advance to the general election. Important Update: Voters who are registered as Declined to State (DTS) are now eligible to participate in the Primary election. That means you can choose either a Republican or Democratic ballot without changing your registration. To learn more about the election and see your ballot, go to SJCClerk.net or call 505-334-9471

Tonight is the last night of door knocking with Ruby and Evie! These important staffers carried brochures as we spoke wi...
06/02/2026

Tonight is the last night of door knocking with Ruby and Evie! These important staffers carried brochures as we spoke with citizens tonight. Had to compensate them with ice cream! Can’t have door knocking without a pot licker. This one dislikes her picture being taken! 😆

Deputy: 1R554 (In-service ready for calls)Dispatch: 1R554, you are 1321 (swing shift) tonight.Deputy: 10-4, 1321, 10-8, ...
06/02/2026

Deputy: 1R554 (In-service ready for calls)
Dispatch: 1R554, you are 1321 (swing shift) tonight.
Deputy: 10-4, 1321, 10-8, Show me 10-41 (in route) to the DV call in my district.
Dispatch: 10-4.

I have spent nearly 20 years serving San Juan County.

I have served alongside honorable officers and deputies. I have seen people at their best and at their worst. I have delivered horrible news and cried with families and celebrated victories with them too.

I have worked through the night to see homicides and narcotics takedowns through to completion.

I have celebrated promotions, childbirths, marriages, and retirements with those who wear the badge and our professional staff. I know how hard this job is. I know what it takes from us. I know what it feels like to win, and I know what it feels like to lose.

And I still come back every day for the men and women of this agency, this profession, and this community. This is the best job in the world.

I know our community needs us. I know our community trusts us. I also know our community can be critical of us. But every time the call comes, we will show up and do our best to earn that trust again.

But our deputies cannot defeat the criminal element alone.

Sir Robert Peel said, “The people are the police, and the police are the people.” That means we come from this community. We are connected by common purpose, not separated by a badge.

We must continue working together to make San Juan County safer, and I am committed to leading that effort to reduce crime and improve the quality of life.

Tonight, there are deputies patrolling our neighborhoods. These men and women will answer the radio while you sleep. They will respond to the call, stop the attack, make the arrest, and help the victim. They will do it again and again.

I am still that deputy, and I still respond when I am needed. I am a servant, and I will continue to serve our deputies and community with your support.

My name is Kevin Burns. My badge number is R554, and I’m 10-8. Dispatch, please advise my district.

Your vote determines my next assignment, I respectfully ask for your vote on June 2nd.

06/01/2026

Tomorrow is the big day! Thank you to everyone who has followed and supported this campaign! Reminder Independents can vote!

This campaign isn't about politics-it's about public safety, accountability, and leadership you can trust.I am grateful ...
06/01/2026

This campaign isn't about politics-it's about public safety, accountability, and leadership you can trust.

I am grateful to have the support of these respected law enforcement professionals and community leaders who know what it takes to lead.

🇺🇸Vote Burns June 2nd
To read the full endorsements and learn more about Kevin Burns please visit-https://www.burnsforsheriff.com

Address

P. O. Box 40
Aztec, NM
87410

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