NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Mayor Marilyn Hatley announced today, July 8, 2025, that she will not seek re-election this fall, bringing to a close more than two decades of leadership in the City of North Myrtle Beach.
“It has been an honor to serve as Mayor of this great City,” Hatley said. “I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the past 24 years, and I cannot thank the people of North Myrtle Beach enough for their support and friendship throughout it all.”
Hatley emphasized that the decision was not made lightly.
“Public service has been a cornerstone of my life—and my family’s—for decades,” she said. “While this will be my last year as your Mayor, it will not mark the end of my commitment to the betterment of North Myrtle Beach and our State. I will continue to look for new ways to serve.”
During her tenure, the population of North Myrtle Beach has nearly doubled, bringing both opportunities and challenges.
“I believe we have done a good job navigating that growth,” Hatley said. “Protecting our beaches by securing stable funding for renourishment, building the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, and developing the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex have been especially meaningful to me. I am also proud to have played an instrumental role in securing the Robert Edge Parkway Bridge, a vital connection that has greatly improved access to and from our City, eased traffic congestion, and improved mobility. These are legacy projects that will serve our community for generations.”
As she looks ahead, Hatley expressed excitement about the future.
“I look forward to spending more time with my family, enjoying the many amenities our community has to offer, and continuing to be a voice for North Myrtle Beach and coastal South Carolina.”
Hatley was first elected Mayor in 2001 after serving on City Council. Her victory—considered a political upset at the time—made her the first woman to serve as Mayor of North Myrtle Beach. She was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to serve on accelerateSC during the COVID-19 pandemic and has held leadership positions with the Horry County League of Cities, the Coastal Alliance, the Association of South Carolina Mayors, and the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Hatley is also the co-founder of the South Carolina Beach Advocates, an organization uniting coastal cities in efforts to protect and preserve South Carolina’s beaches.
The City of North Myrtle Beach extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Hatley for her many years of dedicated service, steadfast leadership, and visionary commitment to the community. Her legacy will continue to shape the City for generations to come.