NEW YORK — The New York Times editorial board will stop endorsing candidates in the New York election, the newspaper’s opinion editor said Monday.
The editorial board, which operates independently of the newspaper’s newsroom, will continue to make statements of support in presidential elections.
Kathleen Kingsbury, editor of opinion at The New York Times, did not offer a reason for the decision on the endorsements in New York in a statement, but said, “Opinion will continue to provide perspective on the races, candidates and issues at stake.” The newspaper said the change would take effect immediately, with the editorial board not endorsing candidates in New York’s congressional or Senate races this fall, or in next year’s mayoral race.
Many newspapers have stopped supporting political candidates in recent years for a variety of reasons, including concerns about losing readers and shrinking staff and resources.
An endorsement from the Times has been coveted by generations of politicians, particularly in New York City. The endorsement process has also often resulted in informative interviews between the editorial board and political candidates hoping to gain the position.
The Times newspaper has issued an endorsement for mayor of New York City in every election since 1897.
