Ivan Ehlers Named Pulitzer Finalist for Political Cartoons
Ecuadorian-American freelance cartoonist Ivan Ehlers was named a 2026 Pulitzer Prize finalist in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category. His work appears in The New Yorker, MAD Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and LA Taco. Ehlers, who is self-taught, began his career while working in construction after his wife Ariel encouraged him to submit to MAD Magazine. He describes himself as a "reluctant political cartoonist," focusing on authoritarianism, climate, immigration, and injustice. His process starts with Blackwing pencils on paper, then digitizes with a Wacom tablet in Photoshop. He cites cartoonist Paul Noth as a kindred spirit. Ehlers sees his work as a reminder of the past, comment on the present, and warning for the future, fighting against hypocrisy and fascism.
Key facts
- Ivan Ehlers was a 2026 Pulitzer Prize finalist in Illustrated Reporting and Commentary.
- He is an Ecuadorian-American freelance cartoonist and writer.
- His cartoons appear in The New Yorker, MAD Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and LA Taco.
- Ehlers is self-taught and started submitting to MAD Magazine on his wife Ariel's suggestion.
- He describes himself as a 'reluctant political cartoonist,' a term borrowed from Paul Noth.
- His political themes include authoritarianism, climate, immigration, and injustice.
- He uses Blackwing pencils on paper and a Wacom tablet in Photoshop.
- Ehlers views his work as a reminder, comment, and warning about society.
Entities
Artists
- Ivan Ehlers
- Paul Noth
- Ariel
Institutions
- Pulitzer Prize
- The New Yorker
- MAD Magazine
- The Los Angeles Times
- The Boston Globe
- LA Taco
- Herb Block Foundation
- PRINT Magazine