Adam Zyglis and Steve Benson Updates
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Organizations backing Zyglis’ first amendment right. And major Benson tributes and obits.
AAEC Statement in Support of Adam Zyglis
The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC) expresses its support for political cartoonist Adam Zyglis and condemns unequivocally the threats of violence against him and his family as a result of the publication by the Buffalo News of an editorial cartoon drawn by him…
The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists has released a statement in support of Adam Zyglis.
His cartoon was fair and effectively conveyed an important message. This is the proper and important role of political art in a democratic society. The AAEC also commends the Buffalo News for supporting Adam and its commitment to the importance of an independent and free press…
The Society of Professional Journalists has also made a statement in support of Adam Zyglis:
The Society of Professional Journalists stands in full support of editorial cartoonist Adam Zyglis, a recipient of this year’s Sigma Delta Chi Award for Editorial Cartooning, and strongly condemns the threats of violence made against him and his family following the recent publication of one of his cartoons in The Buffalo News.
“The First Amendment protects the right of journalists to speak truth, offer commentary and challenge those in power,” said SPJ Executive Director Caroline Hendrie. “When threats and harassment are used to silence a journalist like Zyglis, it’s not just an attack on one voice, it’s an attack on press freedom itself.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists also denounced the threats against Zyglis.
Steve Benson Obituaries
The New York Times has published its obituary for editorial cartoonist Steve Benson. Or here.
Steve Benson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for The Arizona Republic and a four-time finalist for the award, who used his razor-edged pen to mock an Arizona governor and fellow Mormon, leading to a lasting rift with the church authorities, died on July 8 in Gilbert, Ariz. He was 71.
Like most effective editorial cartoonists — whose ranks have been trimmed by the contracting newspaper industry — Mr. Benson used his unflinching opinions and a provocative drawing style to rile politicians and raise questions about moral and societal issues.
As has The Washington Post’s Harrison Smith. (Or here.)
Mr. Benson liked to call himself an “editorial harpoonist,” and delighted in riling readers and provoking politicians. In 2017, he imagined President Donald Trump carved into stone on “Mount Gropemore,” alongside #MeToo targets including Bill Cosby and Kevin Spacey. Years earlier, he infuriated residents of Sun City, a Phoenix-area retirement community, by caricaturing the place as a haven of golf-cart-driving seniors who hate taxes as well as children. His cartoon showed a road sign outside the community reading, “Kids Will Be Shot.”
“I don’t aim to please,” Mr. Benson liked to say. “I just aim.”
Friend and fellow cartoonist Pat Bagley has expanded his tribute to Steve for The Arizona Republic.
Steve Benson and I were friends for almost half a century. He could be difficult but was entirely without guile. Looking back, I’m not sure he was aware how some of his punches landed.
And Steve’s widow Claire has posted the family’s obituary.
Stephen Reed Benson, acclaimed editorial cartoonist, sharp-witted satirist, and devoted husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025 at the age of 71. A Pulitzer Prize winner and longtime voice of both wit and conscience, Steve leaves behind not only a remarkable legacy in journalism but also an enduring example of devotion to family and the rights of all.
feature image by Adam Zyglis
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