LA Times Editorial Editor Resigns Over Blocked Kamala Harris Endorsement
The Los Angeles Times is grappling with internal upheaval following the resignation of its editorial editor, Mariel Garza. As reported by the Columbia Journalism Review, Garza’s decision to step down was directly linked to the newspaper’s owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, vetoing the editorial board’s plan to endorse Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Garza cited the newspaper’s silence on the presidential race as a key reason for her departure, calling it unacceptable during what she described as “dangerous times.”
Standing Up for Her Beliefs
In her interview with the Columbia Journalism Review, Garza explained, “I am resigning because I want to clarify that I am not OK with us being silent. In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standing up.” Garza’s departure highlights her frustration with the newspaper’s refusal to endorse Harris, a departure from its previous support for Harris in her U.S. Senate and California Attorney General campaigns.
Soon-Shiong’s Response
On the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), LA Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong addressed the situation without directly referencing Garza’s resignation. Soon-Shiong stated that the editorial board had been tasked with conducting a factual, non-partisan analysis of both Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump, evaluating their policies during their tenures in the White House.
“The board was asked to provide (its) understanding of the policies and plans enunciated by the candidates during this campaign and their potential effect on the nation in the next four years,” Soon-Shiong wrote. He emphasized that the goal was to present readers with clear, unbiased information to help them make an informed decision. He also noted that the board ultimately chose to remain silent, which he accepted.
Discontent Within the Editorial Team
Garza revealed that the editorial board had intended to endorse Harris, and she had drafted an outline for the proposed editorial. The LA Times has not yet publicly commented on the resignation or the blocked endorsement.
In response, the LA Times Guild Unit Council & Bargaining Committee expressed concerns over the owner’s decision to intervene in the endorsement process. “We are deeply concerned about our owner’s decision to block a planned endorsement in the presidential race,” the guild stated. The committee also criticized Soon-Shiong for attributing the lack of endorsement to the editorial board members.
Trump Campaign Reacts
The Trump campaign quickly reacted to Garza’s resignation, pointing out that California’s largest newspaper had refrained from endorsing the Democratic ticket, which it had previously supported. This development adds further intrigue to the upcoming 2024 presidential election, underlining the potential political ramifications of Garza’s exit.
Turbulent Times for the LA Times
Garza’s resignation follows the departure of former Executive Editor Kevin Merida nearly a year ago. At the time, the newspaper acknowledged it had fallen short of its digital subscriber goals and faced financial challenges, prompting significant changes in leadership and digital strategy.
As the LA Times continues to grapple with internal discord and editorial challenges, the situation highlights broader issues surrounding media independence, political endorsements, and the press’s role in shaping public discourse during critical election cycles.