Steve Benson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on American politics, has died at the age of 71.
After being laid off by The Arizona Republic in 2019, Benson joined the Arizona Mirror shortly after the nonprofit digital news outlet launched. He continued to produce thought-provoking cartoons for the Mirror until his retirement in 2024, capping off a remarkable career that spanned nearly half a century.
In spring 2024, Benson suffered a stroke, from which he never recovered.
Throughout his career, Benson’s work appeared in publications such as The Washington Post, The New York Times and Time magazine. His work also appeared occasionally in Phoenix New Times. He was a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in addition to his win, and received numerous other accolades, including multiple Best Editorial Cartoonist awards from the National Cartoonists Society.
Benson was known for his unflinching approach to political commentary, taking aim at figures across the political spectrum. His cartoons often sparked controversy, but he remained committed to his craft, once saying, “If I’m not provoking a reaction, I’m not doing my job.”
In addition to his work as a cartoonist, Benson was an accomplished public speaker and educator, frequently giving lectures on political cartooning and free speech at universities and conferences across the country.
In 2020, Benson married Claire Ferguson, marking a new chapter in his life. He is survived by Claire, his children and grandchildren.
“Steve was the most extraordinary person I have ever met,” Ferguson told the Mirror. “He was a brilliant artist and his cartoons made us all smile as well as think deeply about political and social issues. And he was a fierce defender of equal rights for all.
“He was delighted to hear from his readers, whether the comments were favourable or not. His family and I are devastated by this monumental loss.”
The team at the Arizona Mirror, where Benson spent the final years of his career, remembers him as a passionate advocate for truth and accountability in journalism. His incisive wit and artistic talent will be deeply missed in the newsroom and beyond.
“As a native Phoenician, I grew up reading Benson cartoons in the paper every day, like so many other people, and I was always in awe of how he could convey so much in so few strokes of his pen,” said Jim Small, the editor in chief of the Arizona Mirror. “Having the opportunity to work closely with Steve for nearly five years is something that I could have never imagined, and I am so proud of the fact that we were able to be the home for his cartoons.
“I will forever remember Steve for his giant heart, his unending kindness, his creativity, his piercing sense of humor and his moral certainty in the face of injustice.”
This story was first published by Arizona Mirror, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
