Othell Maxie Burns Jr. (born November 8, 1948) is an American politician and academic from the state of Georgia.

A member of the Republican Party, Burns has represented the 23rd district in the Georgia State Senate since January 2021.

Burns was also a Senior Fulbright Scholar, teaching Corporate Information Management in Sweden.

Earlier in his professional career, the Congressman served in information management positions with Oxford Industries and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

After his final bid to regain his congressional seat, Burns served as senior policy adviser at Thelen, Reid and Priest, LLP in Washington, D.C.[1] He also served as associate dean and chair of the business administration department at the Cottrell School of Business at North Georgia College & State University.

The state legislature, now controlled by Republicans, had conducted a highly controversial mid-decade redistricting.

President George W. Bush made two personal appearances campaigning on behalf of former Representative Burns.