New York Times Ends Local Candidate Endorsements

The New York Times has announced that it will cease endorsing candidates in New York state and local elections, a practice it has maintained since 1897. The decision, effective immediately, does not extend to presidential elections, where endorsements will continue. Opinion editor Kathleen Kingsbury stated that the move aims to maintain the paper’s mission of providing an independent view while continuing to offer perspectives on races and issues. The change aligns with a broader trend among newspapers, including the Miami Herald and titles owned by Alden Global Capital, to stop political endorsements due to concerns about reader alienation and limited resources. The decision has sparked criticism from progressives and journalists, who argue it diminishes the paper's influence in local politics. Despite the change, The Times will maintain its editorial coverage of New York races and continue to provide insights into various electoral issues.