Former Trump photographer announces run for Myrtle Beach mayor
A Myrtle Beach based photographer who captured President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign has announced his run for the city’s top government position Wednesday night.
Gene Ho, who photographed the president during his 2016 campaign and authored the book “TRUMPography: How Biblical Principles Paved the Way to the American Presidency” wrote about his candidacy for Myrtle Beach mayor in a Facebook post.
The next municipal election will take place Nov. 3, 2021 and the filing period for candidates will open sometime in late August. Myrtle Beach municipal elections are at-large and non-partisan, meaning all residents vote for all positions and a party isn’t designated on the ballot. Members serve four-year terms.
Candidates must file a statement of candidacy with the city clerk by the filing deadline, which hasn’t been set yet, according to Myrtle Beach spokesman Mark Kruea. A statement of economic interest and campaign disclosure form is also required by the South Carolina Ethics Commission.
Ho is the owner of Gene Ho photography in Myrtle Beach and widely known for his photography. In his post, he wrote that he’ll work to earn the support of residents in his 2021 campaign.
“For my friends in Myrtle Beach: I will earn your support. I will share my ideas and listen to yours. We will work together to make our vision come true,” the post reads.
Ho said he is “just settling into this campaign” and declined to comment beyond his Facebook post.
Current Mayor Brenda Bethune’s term continues until January 2022. She told The Sun News she plans to seek re-election and will run “a very honest campaign” similar to her last one.
“I’ve worked very hard for our community and hope to continue to do so,” Bethune wrote in a text message to The Sun News. “I love our city and my job and I put my heart and soul into my work for this city. I believe that our residents know that.”
This story was originally published November 12, 2020 at 1:20 PM.
