NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Times editorial board will no longer endorse candidates in New York’s election, the newspaper’s opinion editor said Monday.
The editorial board, which operates independently of the newspaper’s newsroom, will continue to make recommendations for presidential elections.
Kathleen Kingsbury, editor in chief of the New York Times, did not give reasons for the decision to endorse New York in a statement, but said, “Opinion will continue to provide a perspective on the campaigns, candidates and issues at stake.” The newspaper reported that the change will take effect immediately and that the editorial board will not endorse candidates in New York’s congressional or senatorial elections this fall or in next year’s mayoral election.
Many newspapers have stopped supporting political candidates in recent years for a variety of reasons, including concerns about alienating readers and a lack of staff and resources.
Generations of politicians, especially in New York City, have always wanted a Times endorsement, and the endorsement process often resulted in informative interviews between the editorial board and political candidates seeking the spot.
The Times has endorsed every race for New York mayor since 1897, the newspaper said.
