Myrtle Beach, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Mayoral candidates in Myrtle Beach participated in a community forum, discussing pressing topics such as public safety, affordable housing, and economic diversification. The event, attended by over 100 people, was marked by the absence of incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune. Candidates highlighted the need for change and pledged to address community concerns ahead of the upcoming election. Early voting begins soon, and additional debates are scheduled to engage voters further.
Myrtle Beach, SC – Mayoral candidates in Myrtle Beach gathered for a community forum hosted by the NAACP on October 14, 2025, at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. The event took place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and focused on key issues ahead of the upcoming election on November 4, 2025. Notably absent was incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune, who informed the NAACP via email that she would miss the confirmation deadline due to prior commitments.
With over 100 attendees present, the forum provided a platform for four out of five candidates to discuss important topics such as public safety, economic diversification, affordable housing, and the city council’s recent financial decisions. The lack of a placard for Mayor Bethune underscored her absence, and her opponents took the opportunity to critique her record.
Mark McBride expressed the necessity for change in the city’s management and criticized Bethune for not defending her performance during the forum. Daniel Aumen emphasized the importance of affordable housing, noting that residents need fair wages to live in the area. Additionally, McBride raised concerns over the city’s financial management, stating that public safety should be the foremost priority. Mark Kruea pointed out the challenges local businesses are facing and urged for improved communication to address issues collaboratively. Eva Rigney proposed innovative public safety solutions, such as a new technology-based public safety zone on Ocean Boulevard to detect weapons.
Furthermore, the candidates scrutinized the city’s investment strategies, particularly the nearly $120 million spent on projects in the downtown area over eight years. Kruea labeled this area as an “artificial investment district” and advocated for greater community engagement to ensure all voices are heard in city planning decisions.
With early voting set to start on October 20, 2025, the candidates emphasized their commitment to addressing community concerns. They have prioritized a focus on inclusivity, fostering a business-friendly atmosphere, and supporting local initiatives over large developments.
Additional opportunities for voters to engage with the candidates will arise in upcoming debates: one on October 20 at the General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center and another on October 29 at the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center. The current election cycle features three available four-year terms on the Myrtle Beach City Council, which operates on a nonpartisan, at-large basis—indicating that no specific districts exist for representation.
Key Issues Discussed at the Forum
- Public safety enhancements
- Economic diversification strategies
- Affordable housing initiatives
- City financial management
- Business-friendly policies
Upcoming Voting Timeline
- Early Voting Starts: October 20, 2025
- Election Day: November 4, 2025
Candidate Participation
The candidates present at the forum were:
- Mark McBride
- Mark Kruea
- Daniel Aumen
- Eva Rigney
Community Engagement and Concerns
With heightened community interest reflected in the forum attendance, candidates reassured voters of their commitment to tackling pressing issues facing Myrtle Beach today.
FAQ Section
What was the event held on October 14, 2025?
The Myrtle Beach mayoral candidates attended a community forum hosted by the Myrtle Beach Branch of the NAACP.
Who did not attend the forum?
Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune did not attend the forum, citing prior engagements and upcoming forums.
How many candidates participated in the forum?
Four of the five mayoral candidates participated in the event, including Mark McBride, Mark Kruea, Daniel Aumen, and Eva Rigney.
What major issues were discussed at the forum?
Candidates discussed major issues such as public safety, economic diversification, affordable housing, and recent financial decisions made by the city council.
When is the upcoming election?
The election date is November 4, 2025.
Key Features of the Forum
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 14, 2025 |
| Location | Horry-Georgetown Technical College |
| Candidate Participation | Four out of five candidates attended. |
| Absentee Mayor | Brenda Bethune did not attend. |
| Election Date | November 4, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Mayor Candidate Council Election
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidates Debate
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach mayoral election
- Horry News: Myrtle Beach Candidates Vie for Votes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Election
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.
