Interview, statement, or article featuring Patrick Soon-Shiong

LA Times Won't Endorse Kamala Harris for President, Owner Patrick Soon-Shiong Decides

Oct 22, 2024, 06:50 PM

The Los Angeles Times has decided not to endorse a presidential candidate in the upcoming election, marking the first time since 2008 that the largest newspaper in California has abstained from backing a nominee. The decision was made by the paper's owner, Patrick Soon-Shiong. Historically, the newspaper refrained from making presidential endorsements from the mid-1970s until 2008, when it began endorsing Democratic candidates, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. The Times had also previously endorsed Kamala Harris in her campaigns for California Attorney General, U.S. Senate, and as part of the Biden-Harris ticket in 2020. The decision not to endorse any candidate for president this year is notable given the paper's consistent support of Democratic nominees in recent elections, especially those from California.