Myrtle Beach, October 9, 2025
News Summary
As the inaugural steps toward the Myrtle Beach mayoral election take shape, five candidates, including incumbent Mayor Brenda Bethune, set forth their priorities for public safety, economic growth, and housing affordability. With early voting starting October 20 and election day on November 4, citizens are presented with choices that could reshape the city. Candidates advocate for various strategies, ranging from enhanced policing to inclusive government transparency, with an added focus on community issues such as homelessness and housing. Voter registration must be complete by October 4 to participate.
Myrtle Beach Mayoral Race: Candidates Share Priorities and Perspectives Ahead of November Election
The Myrtle Beach mayor’s race will feature five candidates vying for a four-year term through 2029. With early voting set to begin on October 20 and Election Day scheduled for November 4, voters will soon have the opportunity to make their voices heard.
Among the candidates is the current Mayor Brenda Bethune, who is seeking re-election. She focuses on public safety and economic growth. Over the past decade, Bethune has reported a nearly 50% drop in violent crime, attributing this to increased investments in the police department. She has also advocated for better housing affordability and availability through revitalization projects and updated zoning regulations. Addressing homelessness is another priority; she emphasizes that stable economic growth will aid in housing and provide necessary mental health support.
In addition to public safety, Bethune underscores various safety measures that include utilizing technology, improving infrastructure, and filling vacant police positions to enhance community protection.
Challenging Bethune’s incumbency is Daniel Aumen, who argues for a citywide vision and restoring government transparency. Aumen criticizes the administration’s focus on downtown development, believing that it neglects the broader community’s needs. He proposes a reevaluation of the Tourism Development Fee distribution as part of his vision for a more inclusive approach.
Another candidate, Mark Kruea, aims to enhance safety through increasing police presence and community engagement. He also pushes for a diversified economy to reduce dependency on tourism. Kruea shares a commitment to transparency in government operations and suggests improvements in accountability and communication.
Mark Struthers is another contender, focusing on public safety and advocating for better police management. He calls for a reallocation of funding to support initiatives that are proven to reduce crime rates effectively.
Eva Rigney, the final candidate, highlights the importance of housing affordability in relation to wages. She supports greater cooperation among government entities to craft solutions concerning housing issues in Myrtle Beach.
The McClatchy South Carolina Editorial Board plans to publish an endorsement for one of the candidates after reviewing their respective Q&As, providing voters with additional insight into each candidate’s perspective.
Voters can find early voting locations or polling places for Election Day available online. It is important to note that city council elections will occur concurrently with the mayoral race, featuring several candidates competing for three council seats. Voter registration must be completed by October 4 to be eligible to participate in the election.
Key Election Dates
- Early Voting Starts: October 20
- Election Day: November 4
- Voter Registration Deadline: October 4, 2025
Candidate Overview
| Candidate | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Brenda Bethune (Incumbent) | Public safety, economic growth, housing affordability |
| Daniel Aumen | Government transparency, citywide vision, tourism fee distribution |
| Mark Kruea | Increased police presence, diversified economy, government accountability |
| Mark Struthers | Public safety, better police management, funding reallocation |
| Eva Rigney | Housing affordability, intergovernmental cooperation |
FAQs
What is the electoral term length for the Myrtle Beach mayoral position?
Each candidate is running for a four-year term through 2029.
When does early voting begin?
Early voting starts on October 20.
What is the date of Election Day?
Election Day is November 4.
Who is the current mayor seeking re-election?
The current mayor seeking re-election is Brenda Bethune.
What significant reduction in violent crime has occurred under Mayor Brenda Bethune’s leadership?
There has been a nearly 50% drop in violent crime over the past decade.
What other election is occurring at the same time as the mayoral race?
City Council elections will occur concurrently with the mayoral race.
What is the voter registration deadline to participate in the election?
Voters must register by October 4, 2025, to participate in the election.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Mayor Brenda Bethune Announces Re-Election Campaign for 2025
Myrtle Beach Welcomes Canadian Tourists Amid Trade Concerns
Conway Proposes $113 Million Budget for Upcoming Fiscal Year
Mark Kruea Announces Mayoral Candidacy for Myrtle Beach
Coastal Carolina University Seeks Support for Upgrades and Tuition Relief
FBI Raids Home of Former Conway Councilman
Additional Resources
- Horry News: North Myrtle Beach Voters to Choose New Mayor
- WMBF News: Former Longtime Myrtle Beach Spokesperson Announces Mayoral Run
- WPDE: Myrtle Beach Municipal Election Candidates
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge
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.
