Major Newspaper Ends 127-Year-Old Tradition

The New York Times, a beacon of journalism for over a century, has made a surprising decision that could reshape local politics in the Big Apple and beyond.

At a Glance

The New York Times will no longer endorse candidates in New York elections
This change applies to all local races, including governor and mayor
The Times will continue to offer perspectives on races, candidates, and issues
Endorsements for presidential elections will continue
The decision ends a tradition dating back to 1897

A Century-Old Tradition Comes to an End

In a move that has sent shockwaves through New York’s political landscape, the New York Times has announced that it will cease endorsing candidates in local elections. This decision marks the end of a 127-year-old tradition that has significantly influenced New York politics since 1897.

This change will take effect immediately, impacting Senate, congressional, and state legislative races in New York this fall, as well as next year’s New York City elections. The decision reflects a growing trend among news outlets to distance themselves from political endorsements, with other notable publications like The Baltimore Sun also following suit.

Maintaining Journalistic Integrity

While the Times will no longer endorse local candidates, Kathleen Kingsbury, the Opinion editor, emphasized that the paper will continue to provide valuable insights on political matters. “Opinion will continue to offer perspective on the races, candidates and issues at stake.” This approach aims to maintain the Times’ role as a trusted source of political information while avoiding potential perceptions of bias.

The editorial board, which operates independently from the newsroom, will still endorse candidates in presidential elections. This distinction underscores the Times’ commitment to national political discourse while stepping back from local politics.

Impact on New York Politics

The Times’ endorsements have long been a coveted prize in New York politics, often reshaping local contests and campaign strategies. The paper’s stamp of approval has been known to boost candidates’ profiles and sway voter opinions, particularly in tight races.

This decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some applaud the move as a step towards more unbiased reporting, while others express concern about the loss of a valuable resource for voters. Critics argue that the Times’ endorsements played a crucial role in keeping candidates accountable and focused on substantive issues rather than popular or easy positions.

A Changing Media Landscape

The Times’ decision reflects broader changes in the media industry, where concerns about alienating readers and dwindling resources have led many newspapers to reconsider their endorsement practices. This shift comes at a time when public trust in media is being challenged, and news organizations are adapting to maintain their credibility and relevance.

“While elections everywhere remain critical to the lives and experiences of our audience, the editorial board is ceasing the endorsement process for New York elections,” Kingsbury said. “We remain a journalistic institution rooted in New York City, both historically, today and in the future.”

As The New York Times navigates this new era of political coverage, it remains to be seen how this change will impact local elections and the broader media landscape. What is clear is that the Times is committed to evolving its approach to journalism while striving to maintain its role as a trusted source of information for its readers.