The New York Times has made the decision to no longer endorse political candidates in state and local races in New York. This decision was announced by the newspaper’s editorial board, which is a separate entity from the publication’s newsroom and the company as a whole. The editorial board, which has been in operation since 1896, will no longer weigh in on upcoming Senate, congressional, and Assembly races in the state. However, they will continue to make endorsements in presidential races, including the upcoming November election, and in races outside of the state.
The decision to stop endorsing political candidates in New York state and local races was not accompanied by a specific reason. The editorial board did emphasize that they remain committed to providing perspectives on the state’s races, candidates, and issues. The Times’ newsroom will continue its reporting on New York electoral races, ensuring that coverage of political events remains comprehensive. The editorial board plays a crucial role in the Times’ mission to provide a consistent, independent view of the world based on institutional values, and this decision reflects a new approach to fulfilling that mission.
The New York Times is not the only major US newspaper publisher to make changes to its endorsement practices. McClatchy, which oversees 30 newspapers including The Miami Herald and The Kansas City Star, announced in 2020 that it would no longer endorse candidates it could not interview, effectively ending its presidential picks. Alden Global Capital, the owner of newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune and the New York Daily News, also announced changes to its endorsement practices by ending endorsements at the presidential, gubernatorial, and senate levels. The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, known for its conservative leanings, has not endorsed candidates since 1928, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to neutrality in its editorial stance.
The Times’ decision to stop endorsing political candidates in New York state and local races reflects a broader trend among major newspaper publishers in the US to reevaluate their endorsement practices. While the editorial board will no longer play a role in endorsing candidates in certain races, the paper remains committed to providing comprehensive coverage of political events and offering perspectives on important issues facing the state. The Times’ decision to continue making endorsements in presidential races, as well as races outside of the state, ensures that the editorial board can still contribute to the public discourse on important political matters. The change in endorsement practices aligns with the Times’ mission to deliver quality journalism and maintain its reputation as a trusted news source.
