Johnny Gardner won re-election for Horry County Council Chairman tonight.
Gardner’s opponent spent $300,000 on his race. Another suspicious $200,000 was poured in from PACs, several of whom are being sued at the time of this publication.
In total the Lazarus campaign outspent Gardner 10 to 1.
14 days ago, candidates supported by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, including Jenna Dukes swept into office replacing resident first candidates.
Tonight Gardner stemmed the tide on the Chamber’s run.
Lazarus enjoyed support from City of Myrtle Beach elected leaders including: Senator Luke Rankin, Horry County Councilman Dennis Desibato, Horry County Councilman Gary Loftis, Horry County Councilman Bill Howard, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, North Myrtle Beach Mayor Marilyn Hatley, Rep. Heather Ammons Crawford, and U.S. Congressman Tom Rice.
Lazarus also had the support of developers including Benjy Hardee.
Despite these many supporters, county residents showed up at the polls and pushed through a tight win for Johnny Gardner.