Newcomers win seats on Surfside Beach council. Who among five candidates won
Change is coming to the Surfside Beach Town Council, as unofficial results show two seats will be taken by newcomers.
The governing body was guaranteed to see at least one newcomer as William Kinken, whose term is up Nov. 11, according to the town’s website, was not up for re-election.
Two other incumbents, LaVerne Kreklau and Chris Stamey, fought to maintain their seats on the governing body for another term, as challengers John Hiatt, Rick Lawhorn, and Dusty McCracken threatened to oust them.
Unofficial election numbers show Lawhorn taking the lead with 28.17% of the votes, followed by Hiatt and Stamey tied with 17.75% of the votes.
McCracken tallied 17.35% of the votes, followed by Kreklau with 14.31%.
Kathleen Delano, who reportedly dropped out of the race but still appeared on the ballot, received 4.10% of the votes.
“I just appreciate all of the support from the citizens,” said Lawhorn.
Lawhorn said that he was “taken aback by the margin” with which he won the race, and that he is “ready to get to work.” He noted that he hopes to help continue the town’s fiscal responsibility, and work on “smart” growth, such as attracting business along Highway 17 to bolster the town’s tax base, and leverage the pier and other attractions to bring in tourist dollars and keep property taxes low.
He also said he hopes to focus on basing council decisions on facts and data, rather than emotion.
Similarly, Stamey said he is feeling “so thankful” to get the chance to serve the town for another term. For him, election night was full of emotions, as the close race gave rise to anxieties that he wouldn’t be re-elected, he said. But after the final tallies rolled in, so did the excitement.
Stamey said that the town’s new courthouse and municipal facilities are a priority for him, and he hopes to complete the projects “on time and on budget.” He also said he plans to keep an eye on the town’s budget and fiscal responsibility, but otherwise believes the town is doing well. He plans to help the council keep running it “as a small town.”
Hiatt and Kreklau did not immediately respond for comment.
Stamey, who is coming off of his previous term on the council, serves as the council liaison to the town’s Stormwater Committee.
Stamey has emphasized cost-effectiveness in major capital projects, such as the town’s ongoing plans for updated municipal buildings. He also notably voted against 24-hour golf cart use in the town in August, citing concerns about abuse of the rule by younger people.
Hiatt has been on the town’s Pier Committee for over three years, which motivated his run for council. Hiatt has noted feeling that citizens’ voices were not prioritized in council decisions when the committee brought their recommendations forward.
He said his aim is to create a more “citizen-centered” government.
Hiatt moved to the town in 2021 from Reno, Nevada after retiring.
Lawhorn has a more than 35-year-long history in senior leadership, both in government and the private sector, during which he managed large budgets and policies. He has also served on the town’s Pier Committee. In his campaign, he has emphasized transparency and communication with the public.
He has also voiced goals of maintaining the town’s small-town feel with strategic growth.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 10:03 PM.
