Bado Blog: AAEC Convention 2026

From the daily cartoonist.

Thirty-something members of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists met in Sacramento this past weekend to discuss the state of the profession and the future of the association.

AAEC President Marc Murphy led a discussion about whether the group should change its name to the Association of Political Artists as a way to attract younger members.

Many young people who create political art have no idea what an editorial cartoonist is.

Since the number of editorial cartoonists is declining, the hope is to expand the group’s membership by including graphic novelists, poster artists and other artists who use the visual medium to create political satire.

After a healthy debate, the group voted in favor of the name change.

They also voted that the group would become an adjunct to the Society of Illustrators to stabilize the group’s membership.

The Association of American Editorial Cartoonists will soon be known as the Association of Political Artists.

Steve Brodner was elected president of the association and will host next year’s convention in New York City.

On a Canadian note, Graham Mackay of the Hamilton Spectator won the Babin Prize for local cartoons.

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