Los Angeles Times Editorial Board Resignations Over Endorsement

The Los Angeles Times has faced significant backlash after its owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, prohibited the editorial board from endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, marking a departure from two decades of Democratic endorsements. This decision led to nearly 2,000 subscriber cancellations and the resignation of editorials editor Mariel Garza, who criticized the non-endorsement as undermining the integrity of the editorial board. Soon-Shiong defended his stance by stating that he wanted to avoid further division in politics, suggesting instead that the board provide a factual analysis of the candidates without taking sides. The Los Angeles Times Guild expressed concern over Soon-Shiong's comments that blamed the editorial board for the decision, demanding clarity and accountability. This non-endorsement has been interpreted as a major setback for Harris, especially as the Times is a significant voice in her home state of California. The controversy has sparked heated discussions within the newsroom and among its readership, with implications for the paper's credibility and future editorial direction.