The political world among business leaders and politicians in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina are buzzing with rumors and speculations about Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune’s potential run for the State Senate in 2024. As a prominent figure in Myrtle Beach politics, Bethune has already made her mark as a local leader, but could she be ready to take on an even bigger role?
She would be represented by political heavyweight consultant Walter Whetsell and taking on Luke Rankin in S.C. District 33.
Locals assess her chances of winning if she decides to enter the race as possible. Rankin barely navigated a win in a run off against Horry County resident John Gallman in 2020.
Brenda Bethune’s Political Career
Brenda Bethune began her political career in 2017 when she was first elected Mayor.
As mayor, Bethune has been an advocate for LBGTQ+ rights, downtown economic development and tourism while also prioritizing issues like public safety and infrastructure improvements. She’s earned praise for her support of diversity and inclusion in the gay community.
Beyond politics, Bethune is known for her business acumen as well. She’s owned several successful businesses throughout her career in areas like real estate, the sale of an Anheuser Busch franchise, and a restaurant and retail concern at 44th Avenue North. Her background has given her valuable experience that could serve her well if she decides to run for State Senate.
While some have criticized Bethune’s leadership style as overly assertive or even abrasive at times, others admire her no-nonsense approach and willingness to take bold action when necessary. Either way, it’s clear that Brenda Bethune is not afraid to speak up for what she believes in – which could make for an interesting campaign if she chooses to enter the race for South Carolina Senate come 2024.
Mayor Bethune’s Chances of Winning
Mayor Brenda Bethune has made a name for herself in South Carolina politics, serving as the Mayor of Myrtle Beach since 2018. Her popularity among City of Myrtle Beach voters and her left leaning track record as mayor have led many to speculate about whether she will run for S.C. Senate in 2024.
There’s no denying that Brenda Bethune is a strong candidate who now has plenty of political experience under her belt. As the first female Mayor of Myrtle Beach, she has proven herself to be capable and assertive in leadership roles.
However, running for Senate is an entirely different ballgame. The competition against Rankin will be fierce, and Bethune will have to work hard to stand out from him and a potential conservative candidate, if a conservative should decide to run. Both Rankin and Bethune are die hard liberals.
Furthermore, there are always unexpected events that could impact her chances – such as scandals or changes in public opinion.
That being said, Mayor Bethune’s chances of winning should not be underestimated. She has already shown an impressive ability to connect with liberal voters on a personal level and spend untold amounts of campaign monies within the community. If she can translate this into a District 33 campaign strategy focused on Whetsell polished messaging about economic growth and job creation, then she may very well emerge victorious come election day.
District 33 grows by 24% new residents annually. Most are not aware of Rankin’s nor Bethune’s liberal leanings. Simply putting a “R” behind the campaign effort and spending millions may get her elected.
Ultimately, only time will tell whether Brenda Bethune decides to run for Senate – but if she does throw her hat into the ring, it’s clear that she’ll have a fighting chance at success thanks to her years invested as Mayor and strong relationships with the Whetsell political machine.
Brenda Bethune’s political career
Brenda Bethune ran for mayor and won the election in 2017, becoming the first female to hold this position. As Mayor of Myrtle Beach, Brenda Bethune has implemented initiatives that aim to improve diversity, LBGTQ+ rights, downtown redevelopment and $30 million in taxpayer funded land purchases around 7th Avenue North.
Mayor Bethune is known for her direct and unapologetic approach to problem-solving. She has been praised for being hard nosed with the community about city issues while also working behind the scenes to find solutions. Her leadership style centers around her no nonsense approach to getting what she wants to accomplish.
Bethune’s achievements have not gone unnoticed either; she was named “Mover & Shaker” by Grand Strand Magazine in 2018 & 2020 respectively.
With such a high profile track record in local politics, it is natural that some are speculating about whether or not Mayor Brenda Bethune will run for higher office someday – perhaps even for Senate in 2024?
Bethune on Children’s Transgender Rights
The 2024 Senate race in South Carolina
The 2024 Senate race in South Carolina is already heating up, even though it’s still one year away. With the current political climate and changing demographics in the state, it will be interesting to see who decides to run for this important position.
As to Bethune she has recently done high profile appearances on WBTW TV 13 and local Talk Radio WRNN. These are often signs of a candidate exploring new options.
As of now, there has been no official announcement from Mayor Brenda Bethune about whether she will run for the Senate seat in 2024. However, speculation has been rampant since the town’s Supreme Court win which decimated small business owners on Ocean Boulevard. Bethune has been touting that achievement publicly across several media outlets.
If Bethune were to enter the race, she would likely face tough competition from other candidates on both sides of the aisle in just the Republican primary alone. The Republican primary could also be highly contested should a local conservative choose to run.
Ultimately, whoever wins this race will have a significant impact on South Carolina politics and policies for years to come. It’s too early to know who all may throw their hat into the ring at this point but one thing is certain: it will be an exciting and closely watched election cycle.
What Bethune would bring to the Senate
Brenda Bethune has an aggressive track record of leadership and service to her community. If she decides to run for South Carolina Senate in 2024, it would not be surprising to see her bring a passion for transgendered youth, gay rights, and government controlled, top down decision making to Columbia, S.C.
If elected, Brenda Bethune would bring her huge pocketbook as a successful businesswoman and leader to the Senate. Her focus on government controlled encroachment into the lives of locals would undoubtedly impact the state of South Carolina.
While there’s no sure answer yet whether Mayor Brenda Bethune will run for S.C. Senate in 2024 or not but if she does decide to pursue this path, we can expect nothing less than an all out street fight from this leader who always puts unlimited resources towards every campaign she sets out.