Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidates Address Key Issues at Forum

Myrtle Beach, October 15, 2025

News Summary

Mayoral candidates in Myrtle Beach engaged in a community forum hosted by the NAACP, discussing vital issues like the economy, public safety, and support for local businesses. The forum provided a platform for candidates to elaborate on their visions and address community concerns as the election approaches. Notably absent was incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune, who has prior engagements. Voters are encouraged to participate in early voting sessions leading up to the election on November 4.

Myrtle Beach – Mayoral candidates in Myrtle Beach participated in a community forum hosted by the Myrtle Beach Branch of the NAACP on Tuesday, addressing significant issues ahead of the upcoming election on November 4. The forum occurred from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Thomas Maeser Auditorium at the Horry-Georgetown Technical College Conference Center.

Key topics debated at the event included the economy and tourism, which are critical to the city’s development. Candidate Daniel Auman underlined the need for affordable housing and fair wages to enable residents to stay in the area. Candidate Mark McBride criticized the city council’s financial decisions, claiming they consistently make poor choices and highlighted that public safety should be the primary concern for the administration. Candidate Mark Kruea brought attention to the struggles local businesses face when dealing with the regulatory environment, emphasizing that every business owner has a unique challenge story. Eva Rigney discussed the need for more support for minority-owned businesses and criticized the allocation of funds within the Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovation District.

Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune did not attend the forum because of prior engagements, and she remains booked for additional public forums as election day approaches. Voters in Myrtle Beach can participate in early voting from October 20 to October 31. On the ballot, residents will have the chance to select from five mayoral candidates and vote for ten City Council candidates for three councilmember positions.

The community has several opportunities for public engagement with candidates throughout the month leading up to the election. Additional candidate forums are scheduled, including an event on October 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Horry Georgetown Technical College Conference Center in the Thomas Maeser Auditorium, another event on October 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center Ballroom featuring city council candidates and a debate among mayoral candidates, and a forum on October 29 at the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center, hosted by former NAACP President Mickey James.

Attendees at the October 14 event will have the opportunity to pose questions to candidates, ensuring community voices are heard in the election process.

Important Dates

• Election Day: November 4
• Early Voting: October 20 – October 31

Upcoming Candidate Events

• October 14: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Horry Georgetown Technical College Conference Center
• October 20: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center
• October 29: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Mary C. Canty Recreation Center

Key Issues Discussed

• Affordable housing and fair wages
• Financial decisions by the city council
• Public safety concerns
• Support for minority businesses
• Challenges faced by local businesses

Candidate Information

• Daniel Auman
• Mark McBride
• Mark Kruea
• Eva Rigney
• Brenda Bethune (Incumbent)

FAQ

Key Features of the Mayoral Candidates Forum

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidates Debate Economy and Tourism
• WBTW: Myrtle Beach NAACP Hosts Mayoral Debate
• Myrtle Beach Online: Mayoral Candidates Forum Recap
• Myrtle Beach Online: Editorial on Mayoral Election Issues
• Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach

Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH

The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.