The editorial editor of the Los Angeles Times, Mariel Garza, has resigned following the decision by the newspaper’s owner to block the editorial board’s plan to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election. This was reported by the Columbia Journalism Review on Wednesday.
In an interview, Garza explained that her resignation stemmed from the paper’s decision to stay silent during what she described as “dangerous times.” She stated, “I am resigning because I want to make it clear that I am not okay with us being silent. In dangerous times, honest people need to stand up. This is how I’m standing up.”
Owner’s Statement on Editorial Policy
Patrick Soon-Shiong, owner of the LA Times, addressed the situation indirectly in a post on X (formerly Twitter), without specifically mentioning Garza’s resignation. Soon-Shiong clarified that the editorial board had been asked to conduct a factual analysis comparing the policies of Harris and former President Donald Trump during their time in office. He further added that the board was asked to assess the candidates’ current policy proposals and their potential impact on the nation over the next four years.
He emphasized that the goal was to provide readers with clear, non-partisan information to help them make an informed decision in the upcoming election. Soon-Shiong also noted that, in the end, the board decided to remain silent, and he respected their choice.
Editorial Board’s Endorsement Plans Halted
According to Garza, the editorial board had planned to endorse Harris and had already drafted an editorial in support of her. However, those plans were ultimately blocked. The LA Times has not yet issued a formal response to requests for comment regarding the situation.
Trump Campaign Reacts to the Resignation
Following Garza’s resignation, former President Trump’s campaign quickly reacted, highlighting that California’s largest newspaper had refrained from endorsing the Democratic ticket, despite previously supporting Harris in her runs for the U.S. Senate and as California’s attorney general.
Resignation Follows Recent Leadership Changes
Garza’s departure comes roughly 10 months after former Executive Editor Kevin Merida left the paper in what was described as a “mutually agreed” separation. At that time, the LA Times was facing challenges in meeting its digital subscription goals and needed a significant revenue increase to support its newsroom and digital operations.
