Myrtle Beach, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach is set for its municipal election with early voting from Oct. 20 to Oct. 31 and Election Day on Nov. 4. Voters will elect a new mayor and three city council members from a pool of candidates. Key issues include public safety, affordable housing, and economic growth, with candidates outlining their plans in a series of forums. The importance of community involvement is emphasized by former officials, as concerns over youth violence and housing accessibility grow.
Myrtle Beach is gearing up for its municipal election with early voting set to commence on Monday, Oct. 20, and continue through Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, when voters will have the opportunity to elect a new mayor and three city council members. Voters will choose from five mayoral candidates and ten city council candidates in what promises to be a highly discussed election.
The candidates participated in a question-and-answer session where they were provided with the same five questions by WMBF News to ensure consistency in their responses. Important issues have been raised by various candidates, including public safety, affordable housing, and economic growth.
Key Issues Raised by Candidates
Mayoral candidate Eva Rigney’s platform focuses on “Smart Growth, Safe Communities, and a Sustainable Future.” She advocates for proactive safety measures, including the expansion of the Smart Safety Network with AI-powered cameras. Rigney also suggests creating opportunities in tech and cybersecurity for youth to help mitigate violence in the area. Additionally, she plans to develop a Myrtle Beach City Market to support local artisans and businesses while revitalizing downtown. To address affordable housing, Rigney proposes redesigning current construction approaches to reduce costs for city employees.
The NAACP forum held on Oct. 14 saw participation from four mayoral candidates, but incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune did not attend due to scheduling conflicts. During their discussions, mayoral candidates stressed the importance of exploring various strategies aimed at improving the city, such as reducing dependence on tourism and increasing the availability of tech jobs. Candidate Daniel Aumen highlighted the concept of promoting “micro businesses” that can complement tourism as part of the broader goal of economic diversification.
Perspectives from Former Officials
Former Mayor Mark McBride criticized the current administration’s emphasis on downtown development, advocating for a limited role of city involvement in local business ventures. Mark Kruea, a former city spokesman, underscored the importance of listening to community members as a key aspect of effective governance.
Public Safety and Housing Concerns
Concerns related to youth violence have prompted the implementation of a curfew for individuals aged 17 and under in Myrtle Beach. Furthermore, the city has noted that many city employees commute from outside city limits, reflecting a notable lack of affordable housing within the community. A 2021 study highlighted that only 6,000 out of 41,000 full-time employees reside within Myrtle Beach city limits, indicating a pressing need for affordable living options.
City Council Candidates and Upcoming Forums
Incumbent council members Jackie Hatley and Mike Lowder are seeking reelection, along with a diverse array of new candidates. To facilitate voter engagement, the upcoming candidate forums scheduled on Oct. 20 and Oct. 29 will provide additional opportunities for citizens to hear directly from the candidates.
All candidates for city council will serve four-year terms in at-large, non-partisan elections, where no districts are defined. As the election draws near, the discussions surrounding issues of public safety, economic growth, and housing affordability are poised to shape the priorities of the new administration.
FAQ
What are the early voting dates for the Myrtle Beach municipal election?
Early voting for the Myrtle Beach municipal election begins on Monday, Oct. 20, and ends on Friday, Oct. 31.
When is Election Day for the municipal election?
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4.
What positions are voters selecting in the election?
Voters will select a new mayor and three city council members from a group of five mayoral candidates and ten city council candidates.
What are some key issues discussed by the mayoral candidates?
Various candidates have highlighted significant issues, including public safety, affordable housing, and economic growth.
What is the platform of mayoral candidate Eva Rigney?
Mayoral candidate Eva Rigney emphasizes “Smart Growth, Safe Communities, and a Sustainable Future” as her platform.
What is being done about youth violence in Myrtle Beach?
Concerns over youth violence have led to the implementation of a curfew for individuals aged 17 and under in Myrtle Beach.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Meet Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidate Mark McBride
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Municipal Election – Who’s Running?
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Mayor Candidate & Council Election
- WMBF News: Meet Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidate Daniel Aumen
- WMBF News: Meet North Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidate Mike Mahaney
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach municipal election
- Google Scholar: Myrtle Beach election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Google News: Myrtle Beach municipal 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.
