The editorials editor of the Los Angeles Times, Mariel Garza, has resigned after the newspaper’s owner prevented the editorial board from endorsing Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for president. Garza stated that she resigned because she believes the Times should not stay silent in such “dangerous times” and that honest people need to stand up. The owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong, explained that the board was asked to provide a factual analysis of the policies of Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump. Despite the board’s intention to endorse Harris, they ultimately chose to remain silent and Soon-Shiong accepted their decision.
The Times Guild Unit Council & Bargaining Committee expressed deep concerns about the owner’s decision to block the planned endorsement and criticized him for assigning blame to the Editorial Board members. Trump’s campaign seized on Garza’s resignation, highlighting the newspaper’s failure to endorse the Democratic ticket after supporting Harris in previous races.
Garza’s departure comes after the exit of the then-Executive Editor Kevin Merida, with the news organization struggling to meet its digital subscriber goals. The Guild continues to push for answers from newsroom management on behalf of its members. The LA Times has not yet responded to requests for comment on the resignation.
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