Craig W. Brandt, a State Senator from New Mexico, has expressed concerns regarding the federal shutdown's impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access for residents of New Mexico. He emphasized the need for the state to address why a significant portion of its population relies on food aid. This statement was made on the New Mexico Senate Republicans' YouTube Channel.
"21% of our families are going without food stamps," said W. Brandt. "we don't want to...even think about the fact that 21% of our population is on food stamps. The highest percentage, by the way, in the entire country. There's a lot of things we could be doing."
Court battles over SNAP have intensified the effects of the 2025 federal shutdown. On November 7, a federal judge ordered full SNAP benefits for November; however, following an administrative stay by the Supreme Court, states were instructed to issue only 65% of benefits. This decision led to confusion and delays in aid distribution. Some states that had already begun distributing full benefits were warned to recover overpayments, while others paused disbursements pending appeals, leaving millions uncertain about when or if they would receive funds.
According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service, New Mexico has the highest SNAP participation rate in the nation. In fiscal year 2024, 21.2% of New Mexico residents received SNAP benefits compared to a national average of 12.3%. The reliance on SNAP varies significantly across states, with Utah having a participation rate of just 4.8%. This high dependency means that any delay or reduction in benefits disproportionately affects households in New Mexico.
SNAP plays a significant role in supporting families within New Mexico. In fiscal year 2024, approximately 451,200 people—about one in five residents—received SNAP assistance. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) notes that most participants are part of families with children, many are employed, and a substantial number include seniors or individuals with disabilities. These demographics underscore the importance of timely and predictable benefit distributions when payment schedules are disrupted by shutdowns.
Brandt has been serving as a Republican representative for District 40 in the New Mexico Senate since 2013 and was re-elected in 2024; his current term extends through 2028. With a background as vice president of the Rio Rancho Public Schools Board and holding a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University, Brandt's legislative work has spanned education, public safety, and tax measures—informing his commentary on federal policy impacts.
