Myrtle Beach Faces Key Issues Ahead of Elections

Myrtle Beach, October 24, 2025

News Summary

As Myrtle Beach approaches the upcoming elections on Nov. 4, residents are increasingly concerned about growth, public safety, and affordability. Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune is contesting for a third term against challengers including former Mayor Mark McBride and local Realtor Eva Rigney. Discussions prioritize public safety improvements, transparency, and effective management of city resources. Candidates are calling attention to the importance of enhancing the police department and managing city finances to maintain the quality of life for residents.

Myrtle Beach is experiencing rapid growth as it heads into the Nov. 4 elections, with residents expressing concerns about growth, public safety, affordability, transparency, and the city’s reputation. The city is set to hold elections for both mayor and city council amid discussions centered on these pressing issues.

Incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune is running for a third consecutive term and faces four challengers: former Mayor Mark McBride, longtime city spokesman Mark Kruea, local Realtor Eva Rigney, and Daniel Aumen. Mayor Bethune emphasized the city’s investments in public safety, citing a nearly 50% reduction in violent crime during her tenure. She also addressed local worries regarding the safety and aesthetics of Ocean Boulevard, recognizing the necessity for multi-faceted improvements such as better lighting and police presence. Bethune noted that collaboration among council members remains respectful despite disagreements.

Mark Kruea, a retired city spokesman, criticized the city’s focus on just ten blocks downtown, claiming that this emphasis has led to neglected areas of the city. He expressed concerns about the financial risk associated with the Arts and Innovation District, questioning its potential return on investment.

Former Mayor McBride, who led the city from 1998 to 2006, argued for a return to core municipal functions and suggested selling off city-owned properties that do not align with a clear strategy. He highlighted the need to fill the 50 vacant police officer positions and expressed support for removing current Police Chief Amy Prock.

Local Realtor Eva Rigney underscored the necessity for strong public safety and advocated for focusing on attracting diversified jobs, particularly in the field of cybersecurity. Meanwhile, Daniel Aumen did not provide comments during initial reporting requests but is focused on improving community trust and engagement in law enforcement.

Early voting began on Oct. 20 and will continue through Oct. 31, with Election Day scheduled for Nov. 4. In addition to the mayoral race, ten candidates are competing for three available city council seats, alongside two incumbents, Mike Lowder and Jackie Hatley.

Throughout recent candidate discussions, a common theme emerged regarding the need to enhance public safety, increase transparency, and address issues tied to the city’s growth and infrastructure. Many candidates voiced the importance of effectively managing city finances to maintain residents’ quality of life while fostering business growth in Myrtle Beach. Notably, several candidates pointed to the under-resourced police department as a critical issue that the city must navigate moving forward.

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Additional Resources

• My Horry News: Myrtle Beach 2025 Election Preview
• WPDE: Myrtle Beach Mayoral Candidates Discuss Key Issues
• WBTW: Mayoral Candidates Debate in Myrtle Beach
• Post and Courier: Myrtle Beach Mayor Candidate Overview
• 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.