Democratic governor candidate criticizes Kemp’s response to SNAP pause during Macon visit

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jason Esteves criticized Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Monday for his response to President Donald Trump’s Administration telling states food stamps won’t go out on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown.

Esteves, who made a stop in Macon Monday as part of a broader tour of the state, said Kemp is not doing enough to help the more than 1.4 million Georgia residents who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

“This helps keep food on people’s tables,” Esteves said. “We should be doing everything that we can to ensure that these essential needs are being met, and the governor of the state has the power to do that.”

Prior to the event, Esteves said he called on Kemp to take more action to protect SNAP benefits. Kemp said Wednesday the state does not have the resources to cover state benefits and blamed Democratic lawmakers — including Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff — for the ongoing shutdown.

SNAP benefits are funded through federal money and distributed by state governments. The benefits help millions of low-income households across the nation pay for food.

In Bibb County alone, 23% of residents relied on SNAP benefits in 2024, according to data from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

Esteves said Georgia should declare a state of emergency and mobilize the National Guard to assist food banks and pantries. He also said charities distributing food were already seeing high demand, and worries that SNAP benefits being paused will put even more pressure on them.

“We were already in a crisis here in this state, and this is going to exacerbate that,” Esteves said.

Esteves is currently vying to be the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in a crowded field that includes former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Georgia Rep. Ruwa Romman and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. The primary is scheduled for May 2026.