The New York Times has endorsed a candidate for president of the United States in every election since Abraham Lincoln in 1860. In total, it has endorsed the Democratic candidate twenty-nine times, the Republican twelve times (mostly recently Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956), and a third-party candidate once (John M. Palmer in 1896). Twenty-five of the forty-two candidates endorsed by the Times went on to be elected president.
Until the middle of the 19th century, newspapers in the United States were largely partisan actors; they intended to persuade rather than inform. Since then, many newspapers, including the New York Times, have separated their editorial opinions from their factual reporting. Newspapers' editorial boards' endorsements have statistically significant affects on voter perception of candidates, though the degree of influence depends on the particular endorsement.
Since 1992, the Times has occasionally issued endorsements in primary elections for both major parties. Of the eleven primary candidates it has endorsed, eight went on to win the New York primary, six became their party's nominee, and one (Bill Clinton) was elected president. The dual endorsement of Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren in the 2020 Democratic primaries remains the only time in the paper's history that it has endorsed multiple candidates in the same election.
Primary elections Democratic Party + Year CandidateEndorsement Nominee1992Bill Clinton"At this time, in this churning primary campaign, Bill Clinton remains the superior choice for Democrats."Bill Clinton1996 colspan="3" 2000 Al Gore"Finally, Mr. Gore's experience as a successful partner in making the right decisions on budget and fiscal issues, and in fighting a reactionary Congress to protect and even expand domestic programs, holds great promise for the future." Al Gore 2004 John Kerry"Mr. Kerry, one of the Senate's experts in foreign affairs, exudes maturity and depth. He can discuss virtually any issue of security or international affairs with authority. What his critics see as an inability to take strong, clear positions seems to us to reflect his appreciation that life is not simple." John Kerry 2008 Hillary Clinton"The next president needs to start immediately on challenges that will require concrete solutions, resolve, and the ability to make government work. Mrs. Clinton is more qualified, right now, to be president." Barack Obama 2012 colspan="3" 2016 Hillary Clinton"Hillary Clinton is the right choice for the Democrats to present a vision for America that is radically different from the one that leading Republican candidates offer — a vision in which middle-class Americans have a real shot at prosperity, women's rights are enhanced, undocumented immigrants are given a chance at legitimacy, international alliances are nurtured and the country is kept safe." Hillary Clinton 2020 Elizabeth Warren"Her campaign's plans, in general, demonstrate a serious approach to policymaking that some of the other candidates lack." Joe Biden Amy Klobuchar"Her vision goes beyond the incremental. Given the polarization in Washington and beyond, the best chance to enact many progressive plans could be under a Klobuchar administration."
Republican Party + Year CandidateEndorsement Nominee1992George H. W. Bush"President Bush, prudent player on the stage of a new world order, warrants his party's renomination, and he surely would have won it in New York, as he has elsewhere."George H. W. Bush1996 colspan="3" 2000 John McCain"As a zestful insurgent battling to open his party, Mr. McCain has brought gusts of fresh air, excitement and common sense to American politics." George W. Bush 2004 colspan="3" 2008 John McCain"Senator John McCain of Arizona is the only Republican who promises to end the George Bush style of governing from and on behalf of a small, angry fringe. With a record of working across the aisle to develop sound bipartisan legislation, he would offer a choice to a broader range of Americans than the rest of the Republican field."John McCain 2012 colspan="3" 2016 John Kasich"Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, though a distinct underdog, is the only plausible choice for Republicans tired of the extremism and inexperience on display in this race." Donald Trump 2020 colspan="3"
General election