North Myrtle Beach, October 17, 2025
News Summary
North Myrtle Beach will hold elections for mayor and city council members on November 4, with early voting from October 20-31. Mayor Marilyn Hatley is retiring after six terms. Candidates include Troy Spencer, Mike Mahaney, and J. Baldwin, each presenting their vision for community growth and safety. Voters must register by October 4, and absentee ballots will be counted at City Hall after polls close.
North Myrtle Beach will hold elections for mayor and city councilmembers on November 4, 2025. Early voting is set to take place from October 20 to October 31, 2025. This election is especially significant as Mayor Marilyn Hatley is retiring after an impressive six terms in office.
Candidates vying for the mayoral position include Troy Spencer, Mike Mahaney, and J. Baldwin. Each candidate has been asked a standardized set of five questions focusing on key issues pertinent to the community.
Troy Spencer, who has a background in construction and real estate, aims to address critical community concerns such as public safety, homelessness, and substance abuse if elected. Spencer stands against the requirement for local management companies to oversee short-term rentals, arguing that it’s the responsibility of property owners to vet their tenants. His proposals also include implementing term limits for city officials and tackling the city’s current debt, which amounts to $35 million.
Mike Mahaney, a former city manager holding a civil engineering degree, prioritizes responsible growth management and the allocation of funding toward public safety. Mahaney has raised alarms about the rapid residential growth in North Myrtle Beach, advocating for infrastructure improvements by ensuring that developers contribute their fair share to the community’s development costs.
J. Baldwin, the Mayor Pro Tem, brings a wealth of experience from his time on the City Council. He champions smart growth policies aimed at maintaining transparency in governance. Baldwin expresses concerns regarding overdevelopment in the area, advocating for policies that include larger lot sizes and increased impact fees on developers to protect the local community.
Across the board, all candidates acknowledge that growth management is a pressing issue for North Myrtle Beach. Baldwin emphasizes the need for the City Council to engage more openly with residents concerning budget processes and governmental actions, fostering a culture of transparency within the community.
Each candidate has articulated their vision for the future of North Myrtle Beach, including plans to enhance safety on Ocean Boulevard to attract tourists while safeguarding community welfare. Voters interested in participating in the upcoming election must register by October 4, 2025, and can locate early voting venues and polling places via Horry County’s resources.
After polls close on Election Day, North Myrtle Beach’s election commission will count absentee ballots at City Hall.
Election and Voting Information
- Date of Election: November 4, 2025
- Early Voting: October 20 to October 31, 2025
- Voter Registration Deadline: October 4, 2025
Candidates Overview
| Candidate | Background | Key Issues Addressed |
|---|---|---|
| Troy Spencer | Construction and Real Estate | Public Safety, Homelessness, Drug Issues, Short-Term Rentals, City Debt |
| Mike Mahaney | Former City Manager, Civil Engineering Degree | Responsible Growth Management, Public Safety Funding, Infrastructure Improvements |
| J. Baldwin | Mayor Pro Tem, City Council Experience | Smart Growth Policies, Community Protection, Transparency in Governance |
FAQ
When will the elections for mayor and city councilmembers take place in North Myrtle Beach?
North Myrtle Beach will hold elections for mayor and city councilmembers on November 4, 2025.
What are the early voting dates for the upcoming election?
Early voting is scheduled from October 20 to October 31, 2025.
Who are the candidates running for mayor?
Candidates vying for mayor include Troy Spencer, Mike Mahaney, and J. Baldwin.
What is the deadline for voter registration?
Voters must register to vote by October 4, 2025.
Where will absentee ballots be counted?
North Myrtle Beach’s election commission will count absentee ballots at City Hall after polls close.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Myrtle Beach Prepares for Municipal Election
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Mike Mahaney
- WMBF News: J. Baldwin
- My Horry News
- Post and Courier: Horry County Elections
- WBTW News: Grand Strand Elections
- Wikipedia: North Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: North Myrtle Beach Elections 2025
- Google Scholar: North Myrtle Beach Mayor Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Myrtle Beach
- Google News: North 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.
