LA Times editor resigns over Kamala Harris endorsement halt
LA Times faces internal strife over halted Kamala Harris endorsement
On Wednesday, the editorials editor for the Los Angeles Times resigned following the decision by the newspaper’s billionaire owner to halt an anticipated endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Mariel Garza stepped down to express her disapproval of the paper’s silence on the matter. She emphasised her stance in a statement to the Columbia Journalism Review, asserting the importance of standing up in perilous times.
Biotech entrepreneur Patrick Soon-Shiong informed the editorial board through the outlet’s editor last week that the LA Times would not endorse either Harris or former President Donald Trump. This decision, initially reported by Semafor, was made despite Garza having drafted an editorial endorsing Harris.
Garza conveyed her belief to the Columbia Journalism Review that the endorsement might not sway voters significantly, given the paper’s liberal leanings and its readership’s support for Harris. However, she stressed the significance of speaking one’s conscience and described the endorsement as a logical progression following numerous editorials criticising Trump’s threats to democracy and his unfitness for presidency.
🚨 BREAKING: “I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not okay with us being silent,” says Mariel Garza, as LA Times blocks Kamala Harris endorsement. pic.twitter.com/Ue16rU1AA9
— Los Angeles Magazine (@LAmag) October 23, 2024
Upon learning about the LA Times’ decision to abstain from endorsing a presidential candidate, Trump’s campaign expressed approval, suggesting even Californians doubted Harris’s capability. Historically, the LA Times has endorsed a Democrat for president since 2008 but chose Republican Steve Cooley over Harris for California attorney general in 2010.
The LA Times union, in an email to members on Wednesday, disclosed they had sent a letter to Soon-Shiong and editor Terry Tang seeking an explanation for the decision. As of the report, no response had been received. The union highlighted the need for clarification on the departure from a tradition of general election endorsements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did the editorials editor of the LA Times resign?
Mariel Garza resigned to protest the owner’s decision to halt an endorsement of Kamala Harris.
Who owns the Los Angeles Times?
The Los Angeles Times is owned by biotech entrepreneur Patrick Soon-Shiong.
What was the LA Times’ decision regarding the presidential endorsement?
The LA Times decided not to endorse either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.
How did Trump’s campaign react to the LA Times’ decision?
Trump’s campaign approved, suggesting Californians doubted Harris’s capability.
What did the LA Times union do in response to the endorsement decision?
The union sent a letter seeking an explanation for the decision but received no response.
