No, the statement is not entirely true; while the number of SNAP recipients in Democratic-held districts is slightly higher, millions of recipients live in Republican-held districts. However, a more accurate way to look at this is through the lens of which states have the highest per-capita SNAP participation, as these are often a mix of politically diverse areas, and high participation is not exclusive to one party's states. For example, some states with very high per-capita SNAP usage voted Republican in recent elections, while others voted Democratic.
Here's a breakdown of the data:
- Higher volume in Democratic districts: One analysis found that Democratic-held districts have slightly more SNAP households overall and a higher average percentage of households receiving SNAP compared to Republican-held districts.
- Significant number in Republican districts: Despite the difference, millions of SNAP households are in districts represented by Republicans.
- State-level participation: The overall share of a state's population receiving SNAP is influenced by factors like poverty and state-level policies, not just partisan control. States with high participation include a mix of Democratic and Republican-leaning states, as well as states like New Mexico, Louisiana, and West Virginia, which have high rates of poverty.
- Rural areas: Many SNAP recipients live in rural areas, which are often represented by Republicans.
- Broad appeal: The program serves a diverse population, including working families, seniors, and the disabled, making it a concern for a wide range of constituents
