Two candidates will face off in a runoff election for vacant council seat in North Myrtle Beach
There will be a runoff election later this month for the at-large council seat in North Myrtle Beach as none of the 10 candidates met the criteria to win the special election on Tuesday, the city said in a news release.
Candidates Trey Skidmore and Ronnie Nichols, the top two vote-getters, will advance to a runoff on March 16. Skidmore had 961 votes and Nichols had 514 votes.
A candidate needed to receive 50% of the total votes cast plus one to win the election, according to Tuesday’s news release.
Nichols has lived in North Myrtle Beach for 19 years and owns New Way Properties Myrtle Beach. He said he wants voters to know he is not an insider but like most people that live in the city. He is a candidate for change, he added.
“I’d like to try to be open to all people: the businesses, the residents and also the tourists that we do get to town that really support our livelihood and our tax base,” Nichols said.
He has never run for city council before, but has served as a city volunteer. His Facebook page for his campaign is here.
Skidmore, who is originally from North Myrtle Beach, has served on the North Myrtle Beach Zoning Board of Appeals for the past 2 years. He owns TRS Builders, a construction company, Foxfire Communities and Barefoot RV Resort, according to his campaign page on Facebook. He wants to serve on council because he loves the city and shares the same concerns as those in the community, his Facebook page states.
“Thank you to each and every one who came out to vote today,” Skidmore said in a post shortly after the results were announced. “I am so humbled.”
The winner will fill the seat vacated by Bob Cavanaugh, who spent nearly 20 years on the council. He announced his resignation in September.
The term will run from March to November.
The North Myrtle Beach Municipal Election Commission will certify the election on March 4 at City Hall.
Vote Tallies for Candidates
Dr. Elizabeth Conley – 80
William Davis – 59
Robert Halpin – 36
Terry Jeffers – 41
Bob Lucas – 284
Michael Mishoe – 50
Elizabeth Anne Prince – 49
Ron Nichols – 514
Ed Ramey – 9
Trey Skidmore – 961
This story was originally published March 2, 2021 at 10:13 PM.