The Los Angeles Times, one of the 10 largest daily newspaper publications in the United States, will not endorse a nominee in the 2024 presidential election.

The publication has endorsed every Democratic presidential nominee since the 2008 election.

According to Semafor, the paper’s owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, decided not to endorse a presidential nominee.

Per Semafor:

Last week, the LA Times published its electoral endorsements for the 2024 election. And while the paper noted in its first line that it is “no exaggeration to say this may be the most consequential election in a generation,” that was the only mention of the presidential race in its endorsements.

The paper’s editorial board, which has endorsed Democratic candidates in every presidential race since it first endorsed then-Sen. Barack Obama in 2008, was preparing to do so once again this election.

But according to two people familiar with the situation, executive editor Terry Tang told editorial board staff earlier this month that the paper would not be endorsing a candidate in the presidential election this cycle, a decision that came from the paper’s owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a doctor who made his fortune in the healthcare industry.

The paper did not explain its decision, though it noted at the bottom of its online endorsement page that “the editorial board endorses selectively, choosing the most consequential races in which to make recommendations.”

From the Los Angeles Times:

It’s no exaggeration to say this may be the most consequential election in a generation. And we’re not just talking about the presidential race. From the top of the ticket to local ballot measures, California voters this year are grappling with major decisions that will shape their lives and communities for years to come.

To help voters decide, the Times editorial board offers recommendations based on interviewing candidates, campaign committees and policy experts, examining facts and claims and doing research to inform our endorsements. Every registered voter will be mailed a ballot in early October, allowing time to read up on the candidates, tune in to a forum, consider endorsements — including ours — and make a decision before the last day of voting on Nov. 5.

The publication made endorsements in the following categories:

  • Proposition 5 (Statewide)
  • Proposition 36 (Statewide)
  • Los Angeles City Council Districts 2, 10, 14
  • Los Angeles Community College District Seats 1, 3, 5, 7
  • Los Angeles County Superior Court Judges Office No. 39, 48, 97, 135, 137
  • State Assembly Districts 52, 57
  • U.S. House & Senate
 

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