Myrtle Beach, SC, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Early voting for the Myrtle Beach mayoral and city council elections is set to begin soon, lasting from October 20 to October 31. Candidates are addressing major concerns such as economic recovery, public safety, and affordable housing. Mark Kruea, a mayoral candidate, advocates for a leadership change, emphasizing transparency and community involvement. Meanwhile, ten candidates are vying for three city council seats, with discussions focusing on the downtown Arts and Innovation District and youth engagement strategies. The election day is slated for November 4, marking a significant moment for the city’s future.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Early voting for the Myrtle Beach mayoral and city council elections begins on Monday, Oct. 20, and ends on Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
WMBF News has reached out to each mayoral candidate to answer a series of five questions regarding their platforms and plans for the city. Candidate Mark Kruea highlighted the need for a leadership change focused on residents and businesses, noting that the city’s reputation is at stake.
Tourism revenues in Myrtle Beach reportedly decreased by 15 to 40 percent during the summer season, prompting discussions around economic recovery strategies. Kruea criticized the $100 million investment in ten city blocks, questioning the lack of significant private-sector partnerships. Public safety is another critical concern, as Myrtle Beach is currently 50 police officers short. Kruea emphasized the importance of transparency and addressing neglected issues, including tree protection and the TDF.
Kruea’s experience includes 42 years in media, with 26 years served as the city’s public information director. He advocates for a “whole-city vision” and encourages a united community approach to tackle the city’s challenges. In terms of youth violence, Kruea supports active law enforcement while avoiding the establishment of a police state, advocating for a visible police presence in public areas.
To foster community spirit, Kruea plans to collaborate with local businesses and reinstate public activities in city spaces to cultivate a lively atmosphere. He seeks to increase safety through existing resources like 1,200 video cameras and aims to draw lessons from successful practices in neighboring communities. To attract new businesses, Kruea proposes streamlining the permitting process and enhancing public spaces to appeal to both residents and tourists.
Addressing affordable housing, Kruea acknowledges its complexity and suggests that establishing a living wage could be a vital first step. He advocates for collaboration between local governments and the private sector to improve housing affordability.
City Council Election Details
The Myrtle Beach city council is also set to elect three members, with ten candidates running for those seats. A candidates’ forum took place on Oct. 14, 2025, hosted by the NAACP at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, featuring four of the five mayoral candidates. Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune did not attend the forum, citing a missed deadline to confirm her presence.
During the forum, candidates discussed public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the emphasis on the downtown Arts and Innovation District. Each mayoral candidate presented their qualifications and plans for the city. Candidate Daniel Aumen, who is a member of the South Carolina State Guard, called attention to local needs and community engagement, aiming to improve opportunities for youth and reduce crime. Aumen also focuses on attracting businesses that prioritize health, safety, and happiness while considering environmental factors.
Candidate Eva Rigney proposed creating a public safety zone with technological advancements to detect potential threats. Former mayor Mark McBride critiqued the city’s development approach, emphasizing the importance of not having the city act as a property manager. The forum revealed a generational divide among candidates, with some asserting the need for younger representation in city leadership. All elections will operate on a nonpartisan basis, with candidates representing the city at large.
Conclusion
With early voting just around the corner, the Myrtle Beach community is gearing up for a significant electoral period that could shape the future of the city.
FAQ
When does early voting for the Myrtle Beach mayoral and city council elections begin?
Early voting for the Myrtle Beach mayoral and city council elections begins on Monday, Oct. 20, and ends on Friday, Oct. 31.
What will be the date of the Election Day?
Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
What concerns did Mark Kruea highlight regarding the city?
Mark Kruea emphasized that Myrtle Beach’s reputation is at stake and expressed the need for a leadership change focused on residents and businesses. He criticized the $100 million investment in 10 city blocks without significant private-sector partnerships and highlighted public safety concerns, noting the city is 50 police officers short.
How many candidates are running in the city council elections?
The Myrtle Beach city council will elect three members, with ten candidates running for those seats.
What major issues were raised during the candidates’ forum?
During the candidates’ forum, concerns over public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the focus on the downtown Arts and Innovation District were expressed, with candidates introducing themselves and citing their qualifications and plans for the city.
Key Features Overview
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Voting Dates | Oct. 20 – Oct. 31, 2025 |
| Election Day | Nov. 4, 2025 |
| Number of Mayoral Candidates | Five |
| Number of City Council Candidates | Ten |
| Key Focus Areas | Public safety, economic recovery, affordable housing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Rural King to Open First Store in South Carolina
Erika Kirk Takes Leadership Role at Turning Point USA
Political Violence Escalates After Assassination of Activist
Speculation Surrounds Shooting of Conservative Activist
Charlie Kirk’s Death Ignites National Conversation on Political Violence
Myrtle Beach Mayoral Race: Candidates Share Priorities
Murrells Inlet Unveils New Drive-Thru Coffee Shop
Republican Leaders Continue Campus Tour Amid Tragedy
Threats to American Democracy: Examining Free Speech Under Trump
Charges Dismissed for Michigan Republicans in Fake Elector Scheme
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Meet Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidate Mark McBride
- Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Mayor Candidate & Council Election
- WMBF News: Meet Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidate Daniel Aumen
- Wikipedia: Municipal Elections in the United States
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Municipal Election Candidates
- 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.
